Interested in Natural Organic Milk? Think Again

As more consumers have become interested in organic foods and drinks, there has been great number of boutique stores and farmer’s markets that have opened up across the U.S. It’s true, “natural” or organic foods and drink may be healthier than traditional “store bought” food and drink products. Yet, this is not always the case. There has been a growing concern about raw milk being distributed in some of these specialty stores.

Consumers need to be aware that Raw Milk products, such as milk and cheese, that are not pasteurized, are not healthy to drink or eat. Locally produced and minimally processed foods may be more nutritious in some cases. However, foods and drink that are not pasteurized pose a risk for injury. Unpasteurized calcium sources like raw milk may be contaminated with unhealthy bacteria and organisms, such as, salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that pasteurization is recommended for all milk in the United States. When milk goes through the pasteurizing process, the milk is heated to 161 degrees and maintains this heating temperature for 15 seconds to eliminate harmful bacteria and organisms. . Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria-including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria-that can contaminate milk before it gets to your table.

Pasteurization allows for the prevention of foodborne illness. Food borne illnesses have been linked to tuberculosis, brucellosis, salmonellosis, scarlet fever, and listeriosis. The pasteurization process has passed a test of time, demonstrating safety and efficacy which has been used for over 100 years.

So, it’s important to check the ingredient labels on all food and drink that you plan to consume. This particularly holds true for newly introduced organic foods and drinks that have passed a test of time for safety and efficacy. Ask the store manager about any new foods or drink you plan to consume from boutique stores.

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