Are Raw Food Diets Safe?

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

We like to think of “raw foods” as the closest to nature – the most nutrient-dense, and totally healthy. Now, in a perfect world, that would be true. And many raw foods are a great choice – raw fruits and vegetables are always a healthy go-to group (washed thoroughly or washed and peeled). 

But are all raw foods are safe to consume? No! Raw foods – meaning completely uncooked – can have bacterial contamination that you can’t ignore. Here are a few foods public health reports indicate that you should not consume because they pose a significant risk of food-borne illness.

Raw milk: It’s not the milk coming from the cow that is contaminated, but the handling of it until it gets to the consumer. Bacterial contamination can easily occur during the transition from the dairy to your doorstep (or local market). Always look for pasteurized milk, which has been raised to high temperatures to kill off any bacteria. 

Raw juice: A serious bacterial contamination, called botulism, has repeatedly been connected to consumption of raw juice purchased outside the home in various locations. I’m not talking about blending your own at home from raw fruits or vegetables and drinking it immediately – and then putting your juicer or blender jar in the dishwasher. repeatedly. As you do with milk, look for pasteurized juice products to ensure safety. 

Raw sprouts: While these are nutrient-dense little morsels, there are major problems with the processing of these greens to get them to market. Repeated reports and recalls for bacterial contamination make this a raw food you’ll often want to skip. There are loads of other nutrient-rich greens to use.

Just part of being a smart consumer! Other foods you think should be on this list?

And remember that children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system need to be especially careful, as these groups are the most susceptible to food-borne illness.