Is raw milk safe to drink?

The Federal Drug Administration deems raw milk unsafe. This is due to the harmful bacteria found in the drink. Between 1993 and 2006 there were 1500 illnesses due to raw milk or dairy products, according to the FDA.

The CDC claims that raw milk may contain harmful bacteria strains, such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. These strains of bacteria are especially dangerous for the elderly, young or pregnant.

However, raw milk advocates claim that if the cows are raised in a clean environment, grass fed and milked under sanitary conditions, then raw milk is not only healthier, but contains less bacteria than pasteurized milk produced at industrial farms.