Raw milk cons: Review of the peer-reviewed literature – (Marler Blog)

A summary of the peer-reviewed literature relating to the “pros” of raw milk consumption was posted earlier this month. What about the “cons?” The overwhelming “con” of drinking raw milk according to the literature relates to food safety hazards. The following is an overview of the literature describing pathogens found in raw milk and outbreaks associated with consumption of raw milk and products made from raw milk.
Another possible “con” not well-documented in the literature is cost. First, commercial raw milk demands a premium price in the US with a gallon costing the consumer ~$12 compared with ~$7 for a gallon of organic pasteurized milk and ~$3-5 for a gallon of traditional pasteurized milk depending on the region and other factors. Second, the outbreaks, illnesses, and recalls resulting from raw milk consumption also incur costs for individuals and society:
• Medical expenses for acute care and long-term health problems
• Lost productivity and [...]

MORE:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/news/fsnews.cfm?newsid=26867