Raw Milk

April 5, 2012

The question of food safety has been a huge part of production agriculture since its beginning.  In EU countries, it is no different and in some cases it may even be stricter than similar regulations in the United States. Raw milk is a huge issue that many people question whether dairy operations should have the right to sell their milk raw.  

Raw milk is the form of the milk straight from the farm that hasn't undergone pasteurization.   This is why people question the safety.  Pasteurization is a process that heats and then cools the milk rapidly to kill any harmful bacteria in the milk.  It ensures that salmonella and other harmful pathogens cannot be passed from the milk to the drinker and it increases the shelf life of the product.  Unfortunately, the process also kills bacteria that could be potentially beneficial to the drinker and it slightly modifies the taste.

The EU recently allowed the sale of raw milk in its member nations, but Ireland's government is questioning whether they want to allow it themselves.  They plan to ban any sale or purchase of raw milk in Ireland.  That's okay for the farmers who drink their milk straight from the bulk tank, but for specialized raw milk cheese producers alternatives will need to be made.

Currently, there is a campaign to help keep the sale of raw milk legal in Ireland.  From my experience in Pennsylvania, raw milk is legal to sell if the seller has a special license and follows specialized regulations.

Personally, I agree with the campaign to keep raw milk sales legal in Ireland.  I grew up drinking milk in its best form--straight from the cow.  My friends always contributed my excellent health to drinking raw milk and sometimes I have to agree.  I much prefer the taste of raw milk and consumers should have a choice.  If they know the potential risks, they should be able to make the purchase.

Citations:
Raw Milk Ireland. (2011).  Retrieved April 5, 2012, from http://rawmilkireland.com/