New Mexico raw milk warning has been issued after health officials reported that a newborn died from a Listeria infection likely linked to the mother’s consumption of unpasteurized milk during pregnancy, while federal regulators announced expanded testing of infant formula.
Officials Link Newborn’s Listeria Death To Raw Milk Exposure
A newborn’s death from a Listeria infection has led to a New Mexico raw milk warning, as investigators believe the illness was most likely caused by the mother consuming unpasteurized milk during pregnancy. While officials note the exact cause cannot be definitively confirmed, evidence strongly points to the link.
The New Mexico Department of Health issued the alert emphasizing that raw dairy products pose serious risks, particularly to pregnant women, infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
“Individuals who are pregnant should only consume pasteurized milk products to help prevent illnesses and deaths in newborns,” said Dr. Chad Smelser of the state health department.
Listeria is a bacterial infection commonly spread through contaminated food and can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or fatal infections in newborns, even when the pregnant person experiences mild symptoms.
Raw milk can harbor harmful bacteria such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella, while pasteurization kills these pathogens and significantly reduces infection risk.
Health Leaders Urge Pasteurized Dairy To Prevent Foodborne Illness
State agriculture officials reinforced the importance of pasteurization in ensuring dairy safety and encouraged consumers to choose pasteurized products to lower the risk of serious illness.
Public health experts emphasize that the dangers highlighted in the New Mexico raw milk warning are largely preventable by avoiding unpasteurized foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that pasteurized milk provides the same nutritional benefits without the risks linked to raw milk consumption.
Despite growing interest in raw milk driven by social media and wellness trends, the New Mexico raw milk warning underscores that health authorities continue to caution against its use.
Officials released a few details about the infant due to privacy restrictions, but stressed that pregnancy-related infections remain a major concern because bacteria can pass from mother to fetus or newborn.
FDA Moves To Test Formula Ingredients After Botulism Outbreak
Separately, the Food and Drug Administration plans to test infant formula and key ingredients such as milk powder and whey protein concentrate to determine whether contamination that could cause botulism is “a foreseeable hazard that companies could test for,” Deputy Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said in an interview.
The action follows an outbreak tied to ByHeart infant formula that sickened at least 51 infants across multiple states. All were hospitalized, though no deaths were reported.
Babies affected by botulism experienced symptoms including poor feeding, lethargy, and loss of head control, according to health officials.
Federal investigators say no new cases have been reported since December, but inquiries into the source of contamination continue as regulators assess whether broader safety requirements are needed.
Parents and caregivers are urged to stop using recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula and seek medical care if infants show symptoms consistent with botulism.
The twin developments underscore ongoing concerns about foodborne illnesses affecting infants and the heightened vulnerability of newborns to bacterial contamination.
