Milk Should Be Pasteurized

With the topic of raw (unpasteurized) milk in Wisconsin's Legislature, and after spending a weekend working with Dairy Producers, I thought it was time to voice my opinion about the importance of drinking Pasturized Milk!

Since its introduction over a century ago, pasteurization has been recognized around the world as an essential tool for ensuring that milk and dairy products are safe. Here is a link to the article 'The Dangers of Raw Milk: Unpasteurized Milk Can Pose a Serious Health Risk" which is posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) website and quotes the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Milk is something that my family goes through by the gallons each week and the milk we drink is pasteurized and bought at the grocery store each week. (Funny side story, my daughter Sykora loves to 'milk' the pretend cow at the Viking Grocery store in Reedsburg, it is so cute. Even though she has had a chance to milk real cows at her grandparents farm, she still likes the pretend cow too.)

What is Pasteurization?
Pasteurization involves the heating of raw milk to a minimum of 145˚F for 30 minutes or to 161˚F for 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling. This step is very important to continuing the production of safe and wholesome milk. Research has shown that there is no significant difference in the nutritional value of pasteurized and unpasteurized milk. (Research source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration. Grade 'A' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance - 2005 Revision. Washington D.C.: USDHHS, PHS, FDA, 2005.)

In a recent report, the U.S. FDA and the CDC reminded consumers that even with sanitary collection practices, raw (unpasteurized) Milk could contain harmful bacteria. Federal law prohibits the retail sale of raw milk across state lines and many state have banned the sale of raw milk. Here is a great fact sheet. (Its called raw milk fact sheet).

I was very disappointed last week when I learned that the Members of Wisconsin's Senate Ag Committee decided to pass the proposal that would allow state dairy farmers sell to raw milk to consumers. Read here for more information about what the Ag Committee decided.

I encourage families who are concerned about the safety of their families to contact your legislators about this Public Health issue. To find out who your Wisconsin Legislator is and more information about what they are up to go http://www.legis.state.wi.us/.

For the safety, of my family, I will never serve raw (unpasteurized) milk and I hope that the Legislators in Wisconsin realize the Safety of Public Health and keep raw milk from being sold in Wisconsin.

Here is a link to other dairy websites for more great information about Dairy Farming and Dairy Foods.

Have a great day! And enjoy a refreshing, wholesome glass of pasteurized milk!