Which statement about raw milk outbreaks is true?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. They can affect diverse populations, including adults
• D. They occur only in infant formulas

Answer: (C)

Raw milk outbreaks occur because unpasteurized milk can harbor harmful pathogens that infect people who drink it, and these pathogens can affect individuals of all ages, not just infants. Common culprits include Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli (such as O157:H7), and Listeria. Pasteurization is designed to kill these organisms, which is why raw milk carries a higher risk than pasteurized milk. While infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable, healthy adults can also become ill from raw milk. The idea that outbreaks occur only in infant formulas isn’t correct, since the risk stems from unpasteurized dairy products themselves, and infant formula is a processed product, not raw milk. So, raw milk outbreaks can affect diverse populations, including adults.