Main risks in consuming raw milk: Integrative review

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21727/rpu.v16i3.5628

Abstract

Raw milk is consumed in various regions worldwide due to its nutritional value and distinctive taste. However, unpasteurized consumption poses significant public health risks as it can transmit harmful pathogens. This study aimed to identify the main health risks associated with raw milk consumption, focusing on transmissible diseases and food safety. An integrative review was conducted using databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS, covering publications from 2000 to 2024. The analysis of the articles revealed that pathogenic microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Brucella spp., and Mycobacterium bovis, are frequently present in raw milk and represent a significant risk, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Pasteurization, compliance with legislation, and the intensification of inspection and sanitary education actions are essential to mitigate these risks. It is concluded that the consumption of raw milk should be discouraged, with the implementation of effective public policies to protect collective health.

Keywords: Raw Milk, Health Risks, Food Safety, Pasteurization, Public Policies.

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Author Biographies

Larissa Fernandes da Silva Manoel, Universidade de Vassouras

Discente do curso de Nutrição, Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, RJ, Brasil. 

Viviane Ferreira de Souza, Universidade de Vassouras

Discente do curso de Nutrição, Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, RJ, Brasil. 

Isadora dos Santos Dias, Universidade de Vassouras

Discente, Doutoranda em Ciências Veterinária, Mestra  em Ciências Veterinárias, UFRRJ, Graduada em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, RJ, Brasil. 

Tassiana Albuquerque Bassin Ucha Campos, Universidade de Vassouras

Docente do Curso de Nutrição, Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, RJ, Brasil. Mestra em Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, UFRRJ. 

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Published

2025-10-03

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2025): Dossiê Temático - Edição Especial

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Larissa Fernandes da Silva Manoel, Viviane Ferreira de Souza, Isadora dos Santos Dias, Tassiana Albuquerque Bassin Ucha Campos

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