Newborn Death Linked to Raw Dairy Prompts Public Health Warning in New Mexico
New Mexico health officials have issued a public health warning against consuming raw dairy products following the death of a newborn baby from a Listeria infection. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) believes the infection was likely contracted after the baby's mother consumed unpasteurized milk during pregnancy, though the exact source of Listeria has not been definitively identified.
Incident Details
The NMDOH stated that the incident highlights potential risks associated with raw dairy, particularly for vulnerable populations. The health department did not release further information regarding the child or parents.
The NMDOH stated that the incident highlights potential risks associated with raw dairy, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Public Health Warning and Risks
Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health, advised pregnant women to consume only pasteurized milk to prevent illnesses and fatalities in newborns. Pasteurization involves heating milk to a temperature sufficient to eliminate germs.
Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health, advised pregnant women to consume only pasteurized milk to prevent illnesses and fatalities in newborns.
Listeria, a pathogen that can be present in unpasteurized milk, can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or fatal infections in newborns, even if the mother experiences mild illness. For immunocompromised individuals, severe infections and death are potential outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies Listeria as the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, with approximately 1,250 people infected and about 172 fatalities annually.
Raw or unpasteurized milk may contain a range of other disease-causing germs, including:
- Bird flu
- Brucella
- Tuberculosis
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Cryptosporidium
- Influenza
- E. coli
The CDC notes that the introduction of pasteurization in the early 1900s significantly reduced milk-borne illnesses, and pasteurized milk provides the same nutritional benefits without the risks associated with raw milk consumption.
New Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture, Jeff Witte, stated that the state's dairy producers work to provide safe products and that pasteurization is a critical component of that process. Witte advised consumers, especially those at higher risk, to select pasteurized dairy products to minimize the risk of serious foodborne illness.
Regulatory Context and Market Trends
Federal health officials have consistently cautioned against raw milk due to health risks, with interstate sales banned in the United States since 1987. Despite these warnings, raw milk has seen increased consumer interest in recent years, reportedly fueled by online "wellness" influencers, with sales appearing to increase in 2024.
Former Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had previously expressed support for unpasteurized dairy. Since assuming his role, Kennedy has largely avoided the topic. However, a September report from the Trump administration titled "Make America Healthy Again," issued under Kennedy's leadership, included plans to remove barriers for small-dairy farmers. This move was described by Nestle as a 'big win' for companies selling whole or raw milk products and has been cited as encouraging by some raw milk advocates.
Past Incidents
In a separate incident in August 2025, Florida officials issued a warning after 21 individuals, including six children, became ill from E. coli and Campylobacter bacteria linked to raw milk from a single farm.