Happenings on the Ranch

It’s been a debate for a long time; what are the benefits of drinking raw milk versus the pasteurized version?  There is a small number of the population that seeks out and drinks raw milk, but their voices are loud and strong.  Proponents say raw milk contains more essential nutrients than its heated counterpart which kills those beneficial elements.  Opponents say it’s too risky to sell unpasteurized milk because of the risk of illness from bad bacteria.

In the 1940′s , states began to require milk to be pasteurized and, according to health officials and advocates, the number of milk-borne illnesses dropped.  Pasteurization is now the industry standard.

But, raw milk advocates say the process has taken vital enzymes and beneficial bacteria from our diets and that’s what is causing a rise in digestive disorders.  Many people are convinced pasteurization of our dairy products is behind the increase in everything from autism to allergies to ADD.

Sally Fallon Morrell leads the Washington-based Campaign for Real Milk.  ”Raw milk is superior for growth, development, bone density, protection against cavities and infections, protections against allergies and building the immune system,” she says.  But public health officials say the dangers of raw milk far outweigh the potential of any benefits and say studies supporting the raw milk debate are flawed.

According to federal figures, from 1998 to 2008 there were 1,614 illnesses, 187 hospitalizations and two deaths linked to raw milk.  Raw milk advocates contend that many of these illnesses, and the two deaths, are actually from raw cheese, often produced in peoples’ homes out of raw milk bought at conventional dairies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that any milk sold between states be pasteurized and says unpasteurized milk and milk products put too many people at risk of potentially deadly poisoning.  But as more people become raw milk drinkers, dairies that produce raw milk have seen their demand skyrocket.

Some form of nonretail sales of raw milk is allowed in 33 states. Only 10 states allow milk sales at the retail level, while nine states and Washington, D.C., ban it. Missouri bans retail sales at stores, but allows sales direct from the farm and by prearranged delivery to individuals.  But it’s difficult to find raw milk producers because they’re not allowed to advertise.  Most consumers find the dairies by word of mouth.

I’ve been able to find some sources of raw milk but have to travel pretty far to get it.  There is a producer here locally that sells direct from the farm but, since I’ve never actually met the owner, I don’t know if it’s been pasteurized.  I only know it’s not homogenized and I get it straight from the tank.

Do you prefer raw milk over pasteurized?  Have you found any local sources for raw milk?  Personally, I think it should be up to the consumer whether they drink pasteurized or unpasteurized milk.  I’m tired of the government telling me what I can and cannot eat or drink.  I think the information from both sides should be out there so consumers can make their own informed decision.

What do you think?

~Karin