Advancing Raw Milk Safety and Quality: A Critical Review of Existing and Emerging Nonthermal Technologies

in key pathogens like Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, while maintaining over 80% of vitamins and bioactive compounds (lactoferrin). The review synthesizes contemporary evidence on mechanisms, efficacy, and applicability, emphasizing impacts on vitamins, enzymes, and probiotic retention. It highlights synergistic systems (HPP+PEF, MF+UV-C) and their socioeconomic benefits, including premium market positioning and employment generation, as well as environmental advantages such as reduced energy consumption and lower waste. Moreover, it explores how these technologies address evolving consumer demands, sustainability objectives, and regulatory requirements. By offering a comprehensive, forward-looking analysis, this work illustrates the transformative potential of nonthermal innovations in the dairy sector. This review advances a convergent framework that critically integrates nonthermal processing with digital tools (AI, blockchain), aligning technological efficacy with supply chain transparency, regulatory pathways, and consumer confidence.