Boiling milk before drinking has been a household practice for centuries. Not only is it said to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, ensuring safety, but it is also believed to enhance its flavour and digestibility. Moreover, some people also think that boiling milk reduces the risk of spoilage. But what about now? Even with modern pasteurisation and refrigeration techniques, do we still need to boil packaged milk before drinking? We asked an expert…
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Why People Boil Milk Before Consumption
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Preeti Nagar, Dietician at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS) College and Hospital, says, "Boiling milk before consumption has been a common practice in many households and cultures for various reasons." This is because it offers several benefits:
- Boiling milk helps kill harmful bacteria that may be present in raw milk, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Boiling milk can help extend its shelf life by reducing the bacterial load, which can slow down the spoilage process.
- Some people find boiled milk easier to digest compared to raw milk, as the heating process can break down certain proteins and enzymes.
- Boiling milk can enhance its flavour and aroma, making it more palatable for consumption.
What Is Pasteurised Milk?
“Pasteurisation is a process where milk is heated to a specific temperature for a certain period to kill harmful bacteria while retaining its nutritional value,” says Dr Nagar.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking raw milk can expose people to germs such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, and Salmonella, which can increase the risk of various infections.
"Some groups, such as children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk of serious illness from these germs," the health body notes.
Dr Nagar shares that pasteurised milk is considered safe for consumption without boiling, as the pasteurisation process has already eliminated most harmful pathogens.
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Is Boiling Packaged/Pasteurised Milk Necessary?
Most packaged milk is pasteurised in today’s time. Therefore, there is no need to boil the same.
Still, some people still prefer to boil the milk as an extra precaution, especially if they have concerns about the handling or storage of the milk.
Dr Nagar says, “When it comes to packaged or pasteurised milk, the need to boil it before consumption may vary. Pasteurised milk is safe for consumption without boiling, as the pasteurisation process ensures its safety. But ultimately, the decision to boil packaged or pasteurised milk is a personal preference based on individual concerns and practices.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own doctor if you have any diet or health-related queries.]