Consumption of raw milk among the inhabitants of the Łódź voivodeship and related health risks

Dairy products are an important component of the human diet. Consumption of milk that has not undergone heat treatment or microfiltration, has not been tested in terms of microbiological and toxicological contamination, may cause infections or poisonings. These infections are caused by bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Whereas poisonings are caused by bacterial or mold toxins. Microbiological contamination of milk may come from animals, humans, the environment, and industrial equipment. The aim of the study was to find out the scale of the consumption of raw milk by the inhabitants of the Lodz Voivodeship and general characteristics of consumers of such milk. The survey method was used. Answers to the questions were obtained directly and using an electronic form. 777 surveys were collected. 19.4% of respondents consumed raw milk in 2020. In this group, the most numerous were women (62.3%) and people in age 20-29 (25.8%) and 40-49 (23.2%). 43% of respondents declared having secondary education, and 39.7% having higher education. 80.1% of the respondents lived in cities. 75.5% of respondents stated that consumption of raw milk does not pose a threat to human health. The obtained research results indicate an insufficient level of knowledge of the inhabitants of the Lodz Voivodeship regarding the dangers of raw milk consumption. Therefore, it would be justified to conduct social campaigns informing about this threat. &nbsp