The link between tuberculosis and the consumption of raw (unpasteurized and unsterilized) milk has resurfaced in Morocco's public debate, this time triggered by an influencer's testimony that sparked a wave of concern on social media. While health experts have long been aware of the connection, the issue had never attracted this level of public attention before. In a widely shared video, Moroccan influencer Nada Hassi revealed that she contracted tuberculosis in her lymph nodes after drinking raw milk. In a follow-up video, she explained that she underwent surgery to remove the affected gland, and that medical tests confirmed the infection originated from the raw milk she had consumed. Nada added that she is now starting a long-term treatment plan for tuberculosis, which is expected to last between six months and a year. Her testimony sparked widespread concern, prompting many Moroccans to question the safety of milk sold outside regulated channels and to raise doubts about the effectiveness of health monitoring of such products. Raw Milk and the Risks to Public Health In a statement to Yabiladi, Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and researcher in health policy and systems, explained that the link between milk and tuberculosis is not new in Morocco — it's been known for years. While the issue has gained traction on social media, Dr. Hamdi noted that there are no recent official statistics indicating a spike in milk-related tuberculosis cases, nor has he personally observed a surge in infections. That said, the absence of recent data does not mean there is no risk. «Some infected animals can go without symptoms for long periods», he warned. «Consuming unpasteurized milk carries a real health risk. Contamination can happen during milking, if the animal itself is infected, or due to improper handling during production and distribution», Dr. Tayeb Hamdi said. He further explained that tuberculosis doesn't only affect the lungs — in foodborne cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and bones. Animal-origin TB often manifests as swollen lymph nodes that may develop into ulcers, which only heal after accurate diagnosis and proper treatment with approved tuberculosis medication. ONSSA Urges Caution and Clarifies Protocols In response to the controversy, the National Office for the Safety of Food Products (ONSSA) issued a statement on its official channels, reassuring the public that dairy products produced within licensed facilities are subject to strict health regulations and do not pose a threat to consumer health. At the same time, ONSSA urged people to avoid consuming milk and dairy products from unregulated or unverified sources. It emphasized the importance of checking for a health license number (clearly printed on the packaging) and knowing the source before purchasing or drinking milk. The office also released an awareness video explaining the dangers of raw milk and advising consumers to boil or pasteurize milk if there's any doubt about its origin. A Shared Responsibility According to Dr. Hamdi, tackling this issue requires more than awareness—it calls for strict control over the traditional market's milk distribution channels. He warned that the casual consumption of unregulated food products opens the door to preventable but dangerous diseases. He also called on livestock farmers to take responsibility for monitoring the health of their animals and to seek early treatment for any signs of illness. He emphasized the need to move away from informal marketing methods and to ensure that milk is transported in hygienic, refrigerated conditions that meet safety standards. «People's livelihoods should never come at the expense of public health. If we get this right, not only can we protect citizens, but we can also help elevate the agricultural sector, improving its productivity and quality», Dr. Hamdi concluded.
