Is organic, local or certified raw milk safe?

Outbreaks of illness related to raw milk (milk that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful germs including bacteria, viruses, and parasites) have been traced back to both grass-fed and grain-fed animals. Even healthy animals may carry germs that can contaminate milk. Milk may be contaminated with bacteria during the milk collection process. Small numbers of bacteria might multiply and grow in the milk before someone drinks it if it is raw. Dairying methods have improved over the years but are still no substitute for pasteurization in assuring that milk is safe to drink. Raw milk supplied by "certified," "organic," or "local" dairies has no guarantee of being safe.