A new report has detailed one of the most significant raw milk-related disease outbreaks in recent United States history, after over 160 people—most of them young children—fell ill due to Salmonella infections linked to raw milk products from a single California dairy farm. The incident, chronicled in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on July 24, has renewed calls for consumer caution and public health awareness around unpasteurized dairy, with important lessons for Thai readers as interest in “fresh” and natural foods continues to rise both globally and domestically.
The outbreak occurred between September 2023 and March 2024, beginning with nine cases initially reported in California. These cases were rapidly traced to a specific brand of raw, unpasteurized milk produced by one Fresno County dairy, triggering an urgent multi-agency investigation. By the time the outbreak subsided, 171 people had been affected—including 67 children under the age of five, and a further 40 aged five to twelve. In total, approximately 70% of those infected were children and teens, with 22 requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but the scale of the outbreak—especially among vulnerable young people—made this one of the largest in the US related to raw milk in over a decade (MMWR report).
To understand why this outbreak was so severe, it is important to examine both the popularity and risks associated with raw milk. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk has not been subjected to high-heat treatment that kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. While some consumers believe raw milk offers superior taste, nutrition, or health benefits—a perspective occasionally echoed in niche Thai food circles and by some natural health advocates—scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports pasteurization as an effective safeguard against life-threatening pathogens, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weaker immune systems (CDC - Raw Milk Risks).
The newly published data also provides a unique window into the scale such outbreaks can attain. Between 2009 and 2021, only 16 Salmonella outbreaks tied to raw milk were recorded in the US, each involving as few as two and as many as 33 people—substantially smaller than the recent California event. The 2023-2024 outbreak’s dominance among children under 18 was particularly alarming, with most hospitalizations also occurring in this age group. According to the report authors, “Commercially distributed raw dairy products have the potential to cause large and widespread infectious disease outbreaks… public health authorities should continue to raise awareness of the risks associated with consuming raw dairy products, especially by persons at increased risk for severe disease from enteric pathogens, including children” (MMWR summary via Live Science).
In addition to Salmonella, raw milk is known to harbor a wide range of potential disease-causing microorganisms, including Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, Cryptosporidium, and—more recently—highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) strains. Only months after the Salmonella outbreak, the implicated dairy proactively recalled some products again after finding evidence of bird flu viruses, underscoring the evolving microbiological risks associated with unpasteurized dairy.
The cross-border implications were another point of concern. While nearly all cases occurred in California, isolated ones were found in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington state. Though US federal law strictly prohibits interstate sale of raw milk for human consumption, exceptions and loopholes exist, such as sales for pet consumption or raw cheese aged for 60 or more days. This complicated regulatory landscape makes it possible for products to travel between states or even beyond—and similar dynamics could play out in Thailand or ASEAN countries, where products may travel informally across borders.
Although the MMWR report did not explicitly name the implicated dairy, local media and subsequent product recalls identified it as Raw Farm LLC, a well-known producer of raw dairy products in Fresno County, California (Fresno Bee report). Inspections and multiple product recalls followed, highlighting regulatory and industry responses designed to protect consumers and restore public trust.
For health and food safety experts, the implications are clear. The CDC and public health authorities emphasize that pasteurization remains the single most important step in preventing foodborne infections from milk. This is especially true for the most vulnerable members of society—children under five, senior citizens, pregnant people, and individuals with compromised immune systems—who represent the majority of severe cases in outbreaks worldwide (US CDC raw milk outbreaks).
In Thailand, these findings resonate amid a rising trend for “natural” food choices and a growing market for farm-fresh, artisanal, and imported dairy. Although most mass-market milk in Thailand is tightly regulated and pasteurized, a number of small-scale domestic and imported producers market unpasteurized products directly to consumers, both online and through boutique retailers in urban centers. While pasteurized milk and dairy products are strongly promoted in government nutrition campaigns for children and students (Thai Ministry of Public Health), ambiguous labeling and lax regulation of niche producers can leave room for confusion about product safety.
The cultural context is also revealing. For decades, Thailand’s school milk program has made pasteurized milk a daily staple for students, contributing to measurable improvements in child nutrition and public health. Yet, social media, food trends, and shifting consumer values have occasionally challenged conventional wisdom, sometimes leading to misconceptions about the supposed benefits of raw dairy. Reports from abroad, such as the recent US outbreak, serve as a stark reminder of why Thailand’s food safety standards around milk are not merely bureaucratic hurdles, but life-saving policies forged from global experience.
Looking ahead, food safety advocates are urging both governments and consumers to remain vigilant. “The history of milk safety is a history of science saving millions of lives," said a food safety scientist at an international health agency. “Pasteurization works, and when we ignore that hard-won lesson, we put our youngest and most vulnerable at risk.” The recent outbreak in the US—the largest in more than a decade—illustrates how quickly a single slip in dairy safety can lead to hundreds of infections, hospitalizations, and potential tragedy.
For Thai readers, the takeaway is clear: choose only pasteurized milk and dairy products, especially for children, pregnant individuals, and anyone with underlying health conditions. Always check for clear labeling, certification, and source information, particularly when frequenting smaller or boutique producers. If considering “raw” or unpasteurized dairy, understand that scientific evidence shows no proven health benefits over pasteurized milk, but significant added risks—especially of life-threatening infections for the youngest members of Thai society.
Consumers should also support and call for stricter regulation and clear labeling of all dairy products. Regular inspections, traceability in production, and prompt public information during recalls are essential pillars of a robust food safety system. Future developments in food regulation—such as better pathogen testing and expanded consumer education—may further reduce risk, but the foundational message endures: in both the US and Thailand, science-based safety standards protect lives.
In summary, Thailand’s existing platform of school-based nutritional programs, public-health regulations, and consumer information campaigns remains vital. Vigilance by parents, educators, and the food industry is still needed, especially as dietary trends evolve. By learning from international outbreaks, Thai society can continue to prioritize safety while enjoying the many benefits of milk and dairy.
For further information on milk safety, readers can consult the US CDC’s resource on raw milk (CDC raw milk info) and the Thai Ministry of Public Health (moph.go.th). As always, when in doubt, choose pasteurized products—a small decision that can make all the difference.