Public health officials in Southern Nevada are alerting the public about illegal sales of unpasteurized, raw milk.
The Southern Nevada Health District posted the alert on Sept. 4 after discovering raw milk on store shelves.
“The sale of raw milk, and its products, is illegal in Clark County due to serious health concerns. SNHD advises residents to only consume pasteurized milk, which is treated to eliminate germs that can cause severe illness,” according to the alert posted by the health district.
“Raw milk can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, brucella and Campylobacter, all of which can lead to severe health complications or even death. Some groups are especially vulnerable to these illnesses, including children under 5, older adults over 65, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.”
Pasteurization of milk kills dangerous bacteria while maintaining the health benefits of milk.
When the health district discovers raw milk being sold, the milk is confiscated and discarded. Repeated violations can result in enforcement actions, including the potential revocation of health permits.
Anyone who observes raw milk being sold for human consumption in Clark County is encouraged to report it by calling the Nevada Department of Agriculture at 775-353-3607. Anyone who becomes ill after consuming raw milk should call 702-759-1300 or submit a report using the Foodborne Illness Complaint Form. The health district strongly advises the public not to consume raw milk from any animal.
For more information about raw milk and the health risks associated with it, visit the FDA’s website: Raw Milk Misconceptions and Danger of Raw Milk Consumption. For more information about dairy sales in Nevada, visit the Nevada Department of Agriculture website at Dairy Distribution and Marketing (nv.gov).
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