2-24 IAN Pasteurize Milk

 How much bacteria is there in raw milk? I’m DS…

Raw milk is illegal in many countries as it can be contaminated with potentially harmful microbes. Contamination can also spoil the milk, making it taste bitter and turn thick and sticky. In the last few years, scientists have discovered new species of bacteria that can grow at low temperatures, spoiling raw milk even when it is refrigerated. A professor of animal and veterinary science who also seeks a cure for mastitis in dairy cows, , UI professor Dr. Mark McGuire researches milk to learn about the types of bacteria that exist in milk. I caught up with him in his lab.  “I’m here with a grad student who’s doing the work with regard to the bacteria that are in milk. Is milk sterile and the predominant confidence is that it’s not and there have been bacteria in milk forever whether it be human or bovine. Most bacteria are innocuous to the consumer, sometimes even beneficial, but at times there are pathogens in milk and that’s why we pasteurize.