A Health Influencer’s Advocacy

On May 7, health influencer Paul Saladino, M.D., stirred controversy by promoting the feeding of “raw dairy” to infants in a video on his X account. Despite garnering over 90,000 views, the post faced strong backlash and was swiftly removed the following day.

Advocating for Raw Milk

Saladino, known for advocating “animal-based” diets featuring raw milk, regularly promotes his views on platforms like TikTok, boasting over half a million followers.

Exploring the Trend

Rising Interest in Raw Milk

Interest in raw milk is on the rise in the U.S., fueled by both wellness and conservative influencers on social media. Posts endorsing unpasteurized dairy have garnered millions of views, with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow extolling its supposed benefits.

Understanding the Risks

Health Officials’ Warnings

Despite its growing popularity, health officials have long cautioned against consuming raw dairy due to the serious health risks it poses. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that infants, children, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to illnesses from unpasteurized dairy.

The Dangers of Unpasteurized Dairy

Raw dairy can harbor harmful germs, making it a potential source of foodborne illnesses. Pasteurization, a process that involves heating to kill dangerous organisms, is crucial for ensuring the safety of dairy products.

Expert Advice

“Do not consume unpasteurized dairy products,” warns Dr. Nidhi Kumar of CBS New York. Despite advocacy from some quarters, experts emphasize the importance of heeding these warnings, especially for vulnerable populations.

Escalating Concerns

Heightened Warnings

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have intensified their warnings following outbreaks of H5N1, or bird flu, on dairy farms across multiple U.S. states this spring.

The controversy surrounding raw dairy underscores the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to dietary choices. While influencers may tout its benefits, consumers must prioritize their health and safety by heeding expert advice and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products.