AAP renews call for raw milk sales ban, cites emerging H5N1 risk

Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and other raw dairy products are unsafe to drink or eat, especially for young children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, according to an updated policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).¹ The AAP renewed its call for a ban on the sale and distribution of raw milk and dairy products, including raw cheeses, citing an increased risk of life-threatening infections.¹

The policy statement, written by the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Nutrition, is published in the November 2026 issue of Pediatrics.¹^,² It updates guidance last provided in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2025. It will also be featured during a presentation at the AAP 2026 National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, California.¹

According to the AAP, claims of superior health benefits from raw milk are not supported by scientific evidence.¹ Raw milk products remain legal to sell and distribute in at least 27 states, according to the press release.¹

Updated raw milk guidance highlights H5N1 avian influenza risk

The updated guidance highlights emerging evidence suggesting highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, may represent a new and potentially serious risk associated with raw milk.¹ Research suggests the virus can be transmitted from infected dairy cattle into milk, where it can reach high concentrations.¹ The virus can remain detectable in refrigerated raw milk for up to 5 weeks.¹

During the 2024 US dairy outbreak, infectious H5N1 virus was detected in nearly one-quarter of raw milk samples in affected areas, according to the press release.¹ No confirmed human cases of H5N1 infection from consuming raw milk have been reported to date, but the AAP described the virus as a credible, emerging threat.¹

"Nearly half of illnesses caused by raw dairy consumption occur in people under age 20," Adam J. Ratner, MD, MPH, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement, said in a press release. "These illnesses can be severe and lead to life-threatening complications."

Ratner added a significant share of those cases occur in children younger than 5 years, and pasteurization dramatically reduces these risks without removing nutritional value.¹

Raw milk pathogens pose particular risk to children and pregnant people

Unpasteurized milk is a well-documented source of serious pathogens, including Listeria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Brucella, according to the AAP.¹ These infections can lead to hospitalization, life-threatening illness, miscarriage, and death, particularly in young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.¹

People who are pregnant face especially high risks from foodborne infections.¹ The incidence of listeriosis, for example, is estimated to be 12 to 14 times higher during pregnancy than in the general population. Infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe illness in newborns.¹

"Parents may choose raw milk because they have heard it is healthier or more natural, but the scientific evidence tells a different story," Mark R. Corkins, MD, FAAP, a coauthor of the policy statement, said in the press release. "Pasteurized dairy products provide the same essential nutrients without exposing children and families to preventable infections from dangerous bacteria and viruses. For infants, children and pregnant people, pasteurized dairy products are clearly the safest choice."

Ratner is scheduled to discuss the policy during a Meet the Red Book session on October 5 at the San Diego Convention Center.¹

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics warns of dangers in consuming raw milk, dairy products. Eurekalert. October 5, 2026. Accessed October 5, 2026. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1145231

2. Ratner AJ, Corkins MR, et al. Committee on Infectious Diseases; Committee on Nutrition. Consumption of unpasteurized (raw) milk and milk products by pregnant people and children. Pediatrics. Published online October 5, 2026. Accessed October 5, 2026