Buying unpasteurized milk products that are being sold at roadsides and may contain dangerous Listeria, E. coli and Coxiella burnetii bacteria should be avoided, the Health Ministry warned on Sunday. Consuming such raw products can cause serious disease among pregnant women and others with weak immune systems, including cancer patients, children and the elderly. Bruellosis and Q fever are some of the diseases that can result.
In most of the cases, the animals do not look sick, But even proper sanitation in the animals’ living quarters does not prevent bacteria from building up. Only pasteurization by heating destroys the dangerous pathogens, the ministry said.
Purchase milk products before Shavuot and any other time only from regular stores with business licenses or from licensed factories that pasteurize their milk products. Licenses are issued by local authorities and must be displayed in a prominent place.