An outbreak linked to raw milk has caused 113 illnesses in Idaho this summer, leading to 11 hospitalizations. The state currently has no plans to change its raw milk regulations.
Key facts
- •The outbreak resulted in 113 confirmed cases of illness and 11 hospitalizations.
- •The illnesses began in late April and represent the state's largest raw milk outbreak in 10 years.
- •Idaho does not require raw milk producers to test their products for pathogens before sale.
- •Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria including Campylobacter, salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
- •The Idaho Department of Agriculture has no plans to change current regulations following the outbreak.
More than 100 people in Idaho have fallen ill this summer due to an outbreak linked to the consumption of raw milk. The incident resulted in 11 hospitalizations and marks the state's largest raw milk-related outbreak in a decade. Despite the scale of the illnesses, Idaho officials have stated they do not intend to increase regulations on raw milk producers.
By the numbers
Current Regulations and Outbreak Details
Raw milk sales have been legal in Idaho since 2010. Current state regulations require producers to obtain permits and have their animals tested annually for tuberculosis and brucellosis, but there is no requirement to test the milk itself for pathogens before it is sold. The outbreak began in late April and reached 113 cases by late June.
Health Risks of Unpasteurized Milk
Infectious disease epidemiologist Kristen Pogreba-Brown notes that raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and Campylobacter. Infections like campylobacteriosis can lead to severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, and in some cases, neurological outcomes such as Guillain-Barre syndrome. Health officials emphasize that pasteurization was introduced in the late 1800s specifically to prevent these types of illnesses.
State Response and Consumer Choice
Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt stated that the state has no plans to change its regulations, citing a preference among Idahoans and the state House for consumer choice over government intervention. While the FDA prohibits the sale of raw milk across state lines, it remains legal within Idaho.
Timeline
- Late AprilPeople in Idaho began falling ill from raw milk consumption.
- Late JuneThe number of cases reached 113, marking the state's largest raw milk outbreak in 10 years.
- August (implied)It has been more than a month since the last reported case of illness linked to raw milk in Idaho.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by NPR Health.
