What is a common health issue linked to the consumption of unpasteurized milk products?

The consumption of unpasteurized milk products is commonly linked to the risk of salmonellosis. This disease is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which can be present in raw milk as a result of contamination from infected animals or improper handling. When milk is not pasteurized, the harmful bacteria that could cause foodborne illnesses remain alive and can proliferate. Pasteurization effectively eliminates these pathogens, drastically reducing the risk of salmonellosis and other foodborne diseases.

Other health issues mentioned, such as allergies, diabetes, and cancer, are not directly associated with the consumption of unpasteurized milk. While individuals may have allergic reactions to certain proteins in milk, that is different from a foodborne illness caused by pathogens, which is what salmonellosis represents. Diabetes and cancer are complex conditions influenced by a variety of factors, and unpasteurized milk does not have a direct correlation with their development.