Raw milk and certified raw milk

Raw milk is milk that has neither been pasteurised nor otherwise heated above 40 °C. It may contain pathogens such as certain strains of Escherichia coli, Listeria or Campylobacter. Raw milk sold directly from the farm must therefore carry a notice that it is to be boiled before consumption.

Certified raw milk, known in Germany as Vorzugsmilch, is a specially regulated raw milk produced under stricter hygiene and control requirements and sold packaged. It is not heated either. Authorities advise pregnant women, young children, older and immunocompromised people against drinking unheated milk.