New Mexico Newborn Dies from Listeria

Health officials in Mexico issued a warning against consuming raw dairy products after a newborn baby died from a Listeria monocytogenes infection. The United States — New Mexico Department of Health believes the infection was likely contracted when the baby's mother drank unpasteurized milk during pregnancy. This tragic death underscores the serious risks raw dairy poses, especially to vulnerable populations like pregnant women, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. The United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that Listeria monocytogenes is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U_S_. Officials like Dr_ Chad Smelser and Jeff Wittek are urging consumers to choose pasteurized milk to prevent such illnesses. While federal health officials have long warned against raw milk, and the United States — Food and Drug Administration banned interstate sales in 1987, raw milk has seen a surge in popularity. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as Health Secretary, has previously supported unpasteurized dairy, though he has largely avoided the issue since taking office, despite advocating for policies that could benefit small-dairy farmers.