'Don't drink milk like this': Famous Doctor, 'Liver Doc', has issued a life-threatening warning about milk

A well-known Kerala hepatologist, popularly known as “The Liver Doc,” has issued a warning against the consumption of raw milk, particularly for children. Citing the risks of harmful bacteria present in unpasteurized milk, he urged the public to refrain from drinking or giving it to children without first boiling. Raw milk, he explained, can carry bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, all of which can cause severe health issues.

Risk of Life-Threatening Infections

In his recent post on social media platform X, the health expert emphasized the necessity of pasteurization for public safety. Pasteurization, he noted, was “introduced for a reason,” as it kills dangerous bacteria that otherwise pose a risk to public health. “Please do not drink and do not feed your kids raw milk. This looks and sounds cool, because it feels like you are doing it the natural way as our ancestors did,” he wrote. However, he highlighted that raw milk can carry bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia, Brucella, Coxiella, and Listeria.

These pathogens, he warned, are capable of causing severe infections that are difficult to treat. “Some of them can ruin your life,” he added, noting that Listeria can attack the brain, potentially leading to recurring seizures in children, while severe Salmonella infections can cause life-threatening complications, such as shock and rapid organ failure.

Advice from Health Authorities

To further stress the dangers, the doctor referenced studies from the New York State Department of Health and advisories from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These authorities advise against the consumption of raw milk, especially for vulnerable populations including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. According to the FDA, raw milk poses heightened risks for people with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes.

Boiling for Safety

Health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend boiling raw milk for at least 30 seconds to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This precautionary measure is critical, the doctor explained, to protect against infections that raw milk may harbor.

As concerns about food safety and natural dietary choices continue, health officials advise that any consumption of raw milk should include boiling to prevent dangerous infections and ensure public health.