Drinking raw, unpasteurized milk was once touted by a small group of people, primarily on the left, many skeptical of corporate agriculture. But now, amid growing concerns, possibility MAGA conservatives took up the cause, arguing that avian influenza could be transmitted to humans through ingestion of raw milk.
Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn Consuming unpasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills pathogens in milk, but if that process is skipped, milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
The CDC has recorded 202 outbreaks associated with raw milk between 1998 and 2018, resulting in more than 2,600 illnesses and 228 hospitalizations.
Since 2020, several Republican-led states It has passed Despite these health concerns, laws and regulations have changed to allow the sale of raw milk. States include Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
At the same time, MAGA influencers began promoting raw milk. Alex Clark, podcast host for the far-right student group Turning Point USA, said: extolled virtue Pregnant women are prohibited from consuming raw milk, even though the FDA specifically warns that consuming raw milk may harm pregnancy. Turning Point USA isn’t deterred by the science, and is making T-shirts and glass straw Raise a slogan in support of raw milk.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, is also a supporter of raw milk. In 2022, he will give a lecture in front of raw milk promotion organizations, Kennedy said That’s the only type of milk he consumes. he also advocated Opposing the removal of federal regulations governing raw milk,active repression“” of raw milk.
Kennedy often promote misinformation Science, especially the debunked claim that there is a link between childhood vaccinations and autism.
Conservatism has historically been motivated by a distrust of the scientific establishment and the scientific process, and a desire to “trigger” liberals with disturbing actions.
In recent history, this push has been demonstrated by conservatives. complaints and protests About wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though public health officials advocate wearing masks to stop the spread of the virus. conservative It also had a handrail Although it opposes compulsory vaccination policies, these policies have been an important weapon in the fight against infectious diseases.
The data shows that these beliefs make up a large portion of conservatism, and that in areas with large conservative populations, high mortality rate More relevant to the coronavirus than any other field.
The increase in avian influenza in the milk supply and existing bacteria in raw milk make consuming this high-risk product even more of a gamble. But conservatives, driven by inherent distrust in their own belief systems and a desire to anger liberals, appear to be serious about promoting raw milk consumption.
Even if it kills them in the process.
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