the truth about RAW MILK

What is raw milk?
Raw milk is any milk (such as cow's milk, goat's milk or sheep's milk) that is unpasteurized.

What is pasteurization?
Pasteurization is the simple process of heating milk for a short period of time to destroy possible pathogens (disease causing organisms). The same process is carried out to ensure safety of many foods and beverages such as honey, apple cider and apple juice. Pasteurization does not alter the nutritional value of milk.

If you live in a rural area and have unpasteurized milk at home, the BC Ministry of Health Services recommends pasteurizing it by heating it to 63°C (146°F) or hotter and keeping it at this temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Why is raw milk unsafe?
Like most uncooked, unpasteurized, and unwashed foods, raw milk can be a vehicle for pathogens such as E.coli, salmonella, tuberculosis, and listeria (a high risk for pregnant women resulting in serious complications). Many people across Canada have become violently ill as a result of drinking raw milk. While many of these cases occurred before Canada's legislation prohibiting the sale or distribution of raw milk in 1991, we are unfortunately still finding cases of serious illness related to drinking raw milk today. This could be prevented through the simple process of pasteurization, just as one would wash vegetables and fruits, or cook meat to an appropriate temperature to reduce the risk of illness.

I always drink raw milk and never get sick. Why should I stop?
If you drink raw milk, you many be able to resist becoming ill, but visitors to your house may not; pathogens can be transmitted to anyone you come into contact with. Those who are especially at risk for becoming ill are young children, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.

Where can I buy raw milk?
Because raw milk creates a high risk for developing or spreading illness, its sale in Canada is strictly prohibited. Health Canada takes this so seriously that it levies penalties such as heavy fines or jail time to people selling or even giving away raw milk.

I heard that raw milk might be a healthier choice than pasteurized milk. Is this true?
No, in fact the opposite is true. Pasteurized milk is a much healthier choice because you can enjoy all the nutritional benefits of milk without the concern of contracting harmful and possibly fatal diseases. In addition, pasteurized milk has the health advantage of added vitamin D (raw milk contains virtually no vitamin D) and a consistent level of vitamin A**.

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**Vitamins A and D are added to milk in accordance with Health Canada's Food and Drug Act. Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium, and improves the overall vitamin D status of Canadians. Low fat milk has some of the fat soluble vitamin A removed when the fat is skimmed and therefore, vitamin A is added to low fat and skim milk to ensure a consistent level of vitamin A in all milk.