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NM Doctor Warns of Raw Milk Dangers Amid *E. coli* Outbreak

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ns-of-raw-milk-dangers-amid-e-coli-outbreak.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 6:01 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque
      Locale: New Mexico, UNITED STATES

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (February 24th, 2026) - A renewed warning from a leading New Mexico physician is sounding the alarm about the dangers of consuming unpasteurized, or "raw," milk. Dr. Gary Tolman, a long-time advocate for public health, is urging residents to understand the serious health risks associated with bypassing milk pasteurization, particularly in light of a recent increase in E. coli infections linked to raw milk consumption within the state.

Pasteurization, a process discovered by Louis Pasteur in the 1860s, involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period to kill harmful bacteria. This seemingly simple process has been credited with dramatically reducing the incidence of milk-borne illnesses throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Despite its proven efficacy, a small but vocal segment of the population continues to advocate for raw milk, often citing unsubstantiated claims of increased nutritional value.

"The recent outbreak of E. coli infections we've seen here in New Mexico underscores the very real and present danger raw milk poses," Dr. Tolman explained in an interview with KOAT News. "While we've been fortunate that no fatalities have occurred in this specific outbreak, several individuals have become seriously ill, requiring hospitalization. It's a matter of time before a more severe case results in a tragic outcome."

The bacteria most commonly associated with raw milk illnesses include E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria. These pathogens can cause a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe diarrhea, kidney failure (particularly in children - Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome or HUS), and even death. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to these infections.

Dr. Tolman directly addressed the common argument that pasteurization diminishes the nutritional content of milk. "This is a persistent myth with absolutely no supporting scientific evidence," he stated emphatically. "Pasteurization may cause a slight reduction in certain water-soluble vitamins, but this reduction is minimal and easily offset by a balanced diet. The benefits of eliminating potentially deadly bacteria far outweigh any negligible loss of nutrients." He elaborated that milk, even after pasteurization, remains an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

The push for raw milk often centers around perceived benefits like improved digestion, allergy relief, and the preservation of natural enzymes. However, health experts argue that these claims are largely anecdotal and lack rigorous scientific backing. Enzymes present in raw milk are largely denatured by the digestive process anyway, rendering them ineffective. Moreover, allergic reactions are not prevented by consuming raw milk and can even be exacerbated due to the presence of allergenic proteins that remain unaffected by pasteurization.

Beyond the immediate health risks to consumers, the availability of raw milk poses challenges for public health officials in tracing and controlling outbreaks. Identifying the source of contamination can be difficult, particularly when raw milk is sold directly from farms or through informal networks. This complicates efforts to prevent further spread of infection.

The legal landscape surrounding raw milk sales varies considerably by state. New Mexico currently allows the sale of raw milk under specific regulations, requiring labeling and inspections. However, Dr. Tolman and other public health advocates argue for stricter regulations or an outright ban on raw milk sales, citing the significant public health risk. Similar debates are ongoing in many states across the country.

"Dismissing pasteurization is not a matter of personal choice; it's a public health issue," Dr. Tolman concluded. "It's playing with fire, and the consequences can be devastating. I urge everyone to prioritize their health and the health of their families by choosing pasteurized milk." Consumers concerned about milk safety are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers or visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for more information.