After one of the most significant public health events in U.S. history, pasteurized milk was almost universally adopted. But there are opposing views, and 161 years after pasteurization became possible, raw milk and its products are responsible for human illness and death.
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Quick news from the world of food safety this week
- federal investigator E. coli contamination confirmed in cheddar cheese produced from unpasteurized raw milk Manufactured by RAW FARM LLC, Fresno, California. The dairy has been linked to an ongoing E. coli outbreak that has infected nine people in three states. The dairy company resisted initial calls to recall the cheese but has now done so “after protests”.
- Meanwhile, in France, scientists explained in detail: Cause of E. coli outbreak that took 3 lives in 2025. A total of 18 people have confirmed infections, with an additional five probable cases. The cause was consumption of raw milk cheese.
- A new report from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) reads: Criticism of federal agency’s handling of contaminated food recall. The PIRG report points to several instances where the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had long delays in issuing recalls. In some cases, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has chosen not to post public announcements about recalled products that are potentially life-threatening. PIRG also urged companies to be more proactive in informing consumers about contaminated products.
- Report from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) It found little improvement in food safety practices among consumers over five years.. The findings called for a renewed focus on “intensive, evidence-based communication about basic food safety practices” by the agency.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada is still investigating. Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios One year since the first infection occurred. A total of 189 people have reported the illness since March 2025, with cases concentrated in Quebec and Ontario. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has banned imports of pistachios from Iran while it investigates the outbreak.
Today’s topic: King Low
Known as food safety steps pasteurization It has been widely used since Louis Pasteur first patented the process in 1865 to combat “disease” in wine. This soon applied to beer and milk as well.
Pasteur, a famous French chemist, is also known for his groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of vaccination and microbial fermentation. He conducted research showing that microbial growth is what causes beverages such as beer, wine, and milk to spoil.
He discovered that heating liquids such as milk to 60-100°C kills any harmful bacteria and mold already present. Discoveries in the years since have probably saved millions of lives.
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