SANTA FE, N.M. — A newborn in New Mexico has died from a Listeria infection that state health officials believe was likely contracted due to the mother’s consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk during pregnancy. The New Mexico Department of Health issued a renewed warning on February 5, 2026, urging pregnant women and vulnerable populations to avoid raw dairy products, highlighting the serious health risks these products pose.
While investigators could not definitively pinpoint the exact source of the infection, officials emphasized that the “most likely” cause was the mother’s intake of raw milk, a product known to harbor dangerous bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis, the infection caused by this bacterium, can be particularly devastating for newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist, stressed the importance of consuming only pasteurized milk products during pregnancy to prevent such illnesses. “This tragic death underscores the serious risks raw dairy poses to pregnant women, young children, elderly New Mexicans, and anyone with a weakened immune system,” he said.
Raw milk has gained increased popularity in recent years, partly fueled by the Make America Healthy Again movement led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has advocated for dietary guideline changes that some interpret as supportive of unpasteurized dairy consumption. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains strict regulations prohibiting the interstate sale of raw milk due to its well-documented health risks.
Unlike federal law, which bans interstate sales, individual states regulate the sale and consumption of raw milk within their borders, leading to a patchwork of policies. New Mexico permits the sale of raw milk under certain conditions, but health officials continue to caution against its consumption, especially by pregnant women.
The Department of Health’s warning follows a series of outbreaks linked to raw dairy products nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Listeria infections cause approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the United States, with pregnant women and newborns among the most vulnerable.
In this tragic case, the newborn’s death serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by consuming unpasteurized milk. The New Mexico Department of Health continues to investigate the incident and is working to raise public awareness about the importance of food safety during pregnancy.
Health experts urge pregnant women to adhere to guidelines recommending pasteurized dairy products to protect themselves and their babies from preventable infections. The CDC’s pregnancy and Listeria information page offers resources and advice for expecting mothers to reduce the risk of infection.
As raw milk consumption trends persist, public health officials nationwide emphasize the critical need for education and caution to prevent further illnesses and fatalities associated with this risky product.
