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Demand for raw milk growing, despite dangers 4-10-08
Consumers want hormone-free dairy even as FDA warns about health risks
NEW HOLSTEIN, Wis. - Despite potentially serious health risks, demand for
un-pasteurized, or raw, milk is growing among consumers concerned about
chemicals, hormones and drugs.
With prices topping $5 per gallon, more dairies are selling raw milk — and
finding themselves at odds with public health officials. The federal government
and a majority of states prohibit sales of raw milk to the public, claiming it
is responsible for hundreds of people sickened in the past decade with
salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and other bacteria.
“Raw milk continues to cause outbreaks year after year,” said John Sheehan, who
oversees plant and dairy food products for the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. “It is a concern for the FDA.”
More than 1,000 people, including two who died, got sick from raw milk or cheese
made from raw milk from 1998 to 2005, according to the federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Pasteurization uses heat to destroy bacteria. It also extends the shelf life of
milk. Proponents of raw milk contend the process destroys nutrients and enzymes
and that raw milk is healthier.
“Raw milk is like a magic food for children,” said Sally Fallon, president of
the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates consumption of whole,
natural foods.
Advocates dispute reports from the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and other health agencies. They claim raw milk relieves allergies,
asthma, autism and digestive disorders.
'Sick of being sick'
Pasteurization should not affect milk’s taste, texture or nutritional content,
aside from a slight loss of vitamin C, said Robert Bradley, a University of
Wisconsin-Madison professor who has worked in food science for 44 years.
However, the process can destroy proteins and enzymes that help the body absorb
vitamins and digest lactose, said Michelle Babb, a registered dietitian who
teaches at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Wash., which promotes natural and
alternative medicines. High heat also can damage water-soluble B vitamins, she
said.
People looking for raw milk began showing up at Kay and Wayne Craig’s organic
farm in eastern Wisconsin five or six years ago. Many had digestive issues or
other health problems.
“They’re sick of being sick, and they’re sick of the meds and the side effects,
and so they’re looking for options,” said Wayne Craig, 50.
The couple had about 100 customers by the time they opened their store with
organic products three years ago. Now they have about 800.
Selling illegally
No government agency or group tracks raw milk sales nationwide. But in
Washington state, the number of dairies selling raw milk to the public grew from
six to 22 in the past two years. In Massachusetts, the number has more than
doubled to 24 in the past five years even as the overall number of dairies has
declined.
Kay and Wayne Craig on their organic farm in New Holstein, Wis.
Wisconsin has banned the sale and distribution of un-pasteurized milk, although
it allows “incidental sales” by farmers. It also permits farm owners to consume
their own milk.
That prompted Wisconsin farmers, like those in a number of other states, to make
a variety of arrangements to sell raw milk legally. Farmers have sold shares in
their cows, herds and milk licenses.
Jane Ratajczak, 43, of Kiel, started buying raw milk from the Craigs after
reading a book about natural cures. She now drinks four or five glasses a day
and said she has noticed no ill effects.
“To me, it’s refreshing,” she said. “Just grab a glass of milk.”
The FDA, however, says “raw milk, no matter how carefully produced, may be
unsafe.” More than 1,000 people, including two who died, got sick from raw milk
or cheese made from raw milk from 1998 to May 2005, according to the most recent
count from the federal Centers for Disease Control.
Is Raw Milk Worth The Risk? Weigh in at our forum on this heavy question!
Comments:
There are so many benefits and no risks to drinking raw milk. There are volumes and many books written on the subject. Here are some links that should be helpful:
Rebuttal to FDA PowerPoint Against Raw Milk
Slide By Slide Response to FDA PowerPoint (3MB PDF)
Don't Miss This
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION:
Raw
Milk and Raw Milk Products: Safety, Health, Economic, and Legal Issues,
Prepared by the Weston A. Price Foundation
Where Can I find Raw Milk Near Me?