Dangers of Raw Milk
A review by the Centers for Disease Control reveals states that allow raw milk sales have four times the number of dairy food borne incidents as states which do not. Outbreaks from unpasteurized dairy products also cause more severe illness than outbreaks caused by pasteurized products, the CDC also concludes.
The information is contained in an article in Food Protection Trends nmconline.org/news/rawmilksess.pdf published last month. The article summarizes comments from a symposium held in Arlington, Va. earlier this year.
The consumer group, Center for Science in the Public Interest, also tracks food borne illness. Its database suggests 30% of total dairy disease outbreaks come from unpasteurized milk and 70% of the fluid milk outbreaks. Keep in mind that unpasteurized milk is probably less than 1% of all milk consumed in the country, yet it accounts for more than two-thirds of outbreaks.
An attorney speaking at the symposium also reminded those in attendance that the dairy producer has strict liability for the safety of the product he or she sells to consumers. While consumers can sign waivers, parents cannot sign a release of liability for their children. Ultimately, the producer will be held liable.
