# AI tells a user that raw (unpasteurized) milk is safe to drink if it comes from a local farm with clean practices, ignoring brucellosis risk

- **ID:** `food-safety/raw-milk-brucellosis`
- **Domain:** food-safety
- **Category:** health_risk
- **Error Code:** `BRUCELLOSIS-RAW-MILK-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis persist in raw milk from infected cattle or goats even in clean farms, causing undulant fever, arthritis, and potential long-term disability; pasteurization (161°F for 15 seconds) is the only reliable inactivation method.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| USDA FSIS 9 CFR 325 | active | — | — |
| FDA PMO 2021 | active | — | — |
| CDC Brucellosis Guidelines 2023 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use only pasteurized milk from a licensed dairy; verify pasteurization label (e.g., 'Grade A Pasteurized'). For raw milk, heat to 161°F (72°C) for 15 seconds using a sous-vide circulator with verified thermometer.** (95% success)
   ```
   Use only pasteurized milk from a licensed dairy; verify pasteurization label (e.g., 'Grade A Pasteurized'). For raw milk, heat to 161°F (72°C) for 15 seconds using a sous-vide circulator with verified thermometer.
   ```
2. **Substitute with ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, which is shelf-stable and eliminates all pathogens including Brucella.** (98% success)
   ```
   Substitute with ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, which is shelf-stable and eliminates all pathogens including Brucella.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Boiling may not reach consistent temperature throughout; uneven heating can leave Brucella viable. Also destroys beneficial enzymes and vitamins, misleadingly implying safety. (70% fail)
- **** — Brucella does not significantly alter milk pH; absence of sour smell or curdling does not indicate pathogen absence. (95% fail)
- **** — Testing may miss early infections or intermittent shedding; even vaccinated cows can shed bacteria. No home test can guarantee safety. (60% fail)