Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk 161°F, just below boiling, for about 15-20 seconds and then quickly cooled. Pasteurization does not sterilize milk but significantly reduces the number of pathogens to reduce the risk of food borne illness. Homogenization is used in milk processing to keep the cream in milk from separating from the water and rising to the top. Milk is forced with high pressure through small holes to break up the fat into smaller pieces so that is emulsifies, no longer separating and rising to the top. Many raw milk enthusiasts argue that the processes of pasteurization and homogenization strip milk of most of its nutritional value. The FDA argues, however, “that raw milk is inherently dangerous and it should not be consumed by anyone at any time for any purpose.”
The main danger of raw milk is the many pathogens it may contain such e. coli. There were forty five outbreaks of food borne illness from 1998 to 2005 in which raw milk or raw cheese were implicated. Of these outbreaks about 1000 people fell ill, 104 those were hospitalized, and two people died, according to the FDA website. Some raw milk enthusiasts claim that raw milk is easily digested, even by those who are lactose intolerant. The FDA claims, however that “the milk proteins which cause allergic reactions in dairy-sensitive people are present in both raw milk and pasteurized milk”. The FDA also says that claims that raw milk can cure allergies are unfounded.
Many raw milk enthusiasts argue that as long raw milk is properly collected and comes from animals that are properly raised and fed that it is safe for human consumption. Raw milk enthusiasts claim that yes, pasteurization kills many bad pathogens, but heat-treating milk also destroys a myriad of beneficial bacteria, proteins, and enzymes that not only aid in digestion but also elevated, or cure allergies. Many people who have trouble digesting cow’s milk claim that they have no problems digesting raw milk. Raw milk enthusiasts agree that the milk proteins which cause allergic reactions in dairy-sensitive people are present in both raw milk and pasteurized milk but that pasteurization kills the beneficial enzymes that needed to properly digest those proteins. Raw milk enthusiasts also claim that pasteurization and homogenization destroy many of the valuable nutrients found in milk.
Raw milk is legal for the sale of human consumption in most European countries except Scotland. In some countries there are regulations as to how it is sold such as a direct to the consumer method like a farmers market or though a delivery service. These raw milk bottles must also display a warning that the product is not heat treated and may be dangerous. The sale of raw milk directly to consumers is prohibited in Australia and Canada but in Asia laws prohibiting raw milk are nonexistent or rarely enforced. In 1987 the United States issued a federal regulation that prohibited the interstate sale and trade of raw milk. Each state has its own regulations as to if and how raw milk can be sold.
It is legal to buy raw milk in twenty eight states in the US. Each of those states different regulations as to how a consumer can purchase raw milk. In some states like Arizona it is legal to sell raw milk in grocery stores as long as it has a warning label while in other states like Virginia consumers can participate in cow share programs. A cow share program is an agreement made between a consumer and a farmer where the consumer pays a fee to the farmer in exchange for boarding their cow, care of the cow and the milking of that cow the farmer gives the consumer raw milk. In effect the consumer is not paying for the milk but for the cow. Cow sharing is illegal in some states, like Wisconsin. A good resource for finding out what the laws in your state are for the purchase of raw milk is the website http://www.realmilk.com/happening.html.
The FDA holds strong to its stance that raw milk is dangerous and possibly laden with pathogens while raw milk enthusiast insist that pasteurization was necessary when it was first introduced because of unsanitary farm conditions and low quality cattle food but is now an obsolete method that robs the milk of its nutrients and health benefits. Whether you plan on purchasing raw milk or not, the most important thing to consider is the source of your milk.
