The Ministry for Primary Industries is warning consumers to take care when drinking raw unpasteurised milk, which is considered a high-risk food.
The MPI has seen a number of recent cases of foodborne illnesses linked to raw milk and believes it is important for consumers to remember and understand the associated risks.
A number of recent cases of foodborne illnesses linked to raw milk has prompted the Ministry for Primary Industries to warn consumers of the associated risks. Photo: File.
MPI Animal & Animal Products director Matthew Stone explains raw milk has not been pasteurised to kill harmful bacteria like Campylobacter and Salmonella, that are potentially present in the milk.
'Many people who drink raw milk do not always fully understand the risks and don't realise that there is the possibility of getting sick from the harmful bacteria in the milk,” says Matthew.
People who are at the greatest risk of becoming sick include pregnant women, young children and particularly babies, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Matthew adds the consequences for those groups of people can be more severe and in some cases 'can lead to death”.
'No matter how carefully the animals are milked, there is always a risk that harmful bacteria can get into the milk,” he explains.
'There is no way of telling by taste, sight or smell if the milk you are drinking contains any harmful bacteria.
'We recommend people heat raw milk until just boiling or to 70°C for one minute before drinking.”
Keeping raw milk refrigerated (4°C or less) also reduces the risk of any harmful bacteria in the milk growing to levels which make people sick when they drink it.
People should discard the milk if it has been left out of the fridge and has reached room temperature.
'People who choose to drink raw milk should make sure they are getting their milk directly from the farmer and are only buying it for personal and household consumption.”
For more information on raw milk and food safety visit the MPI's Food Smart website at: www.foodsmart.govt.nz/rawmilk
9 comments
here come the fear mongers
Posted on 04-11-2015 08:16 | By kurgan
while your on the subject of risks, tell us about fluoride, GMO's, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, EMF's from smart phones, tablets and TV's, and all the toxic food additives.
@ Kurgan
Posted on 04-11-2015 09:37 | By SonnyJim
This article is about a real established risk from poopy cow teets, not fringe perceptables!
@ ratepayer
Posted on 04-11-2015 10:21 | By kurgan
I've been drinking raw milk for 3 years no problems and my gut health is vastly improved not to mention my stronger immune system. My supplier is biodynamic certified and runs a clean operation, good pasture and stock management is an important factor as well.
Dairy farmers
Posted on 04-11-2015 10:55 | By Tassie
they have drunk raw milk for decades maybe someone should ask them what side effects they had. Can't remember hearing any myself.
For the fear mongers
Posted on 04-11-2015 12:57 | By MirellaV
You are completely right!!!!!
Trev
Posted on 04-11-2015 13:07 | By Pete KELLY
What garbage, I was bought up on a farm and we all (including all our neighbours) drank milk/cream straight from the cows, never a problem.Is this Fonterra using scare tactics?
High risk
Posted on 04-11-2015 13:14 | By maccachic
How about some stats compared to other foods - the research I have looked into (while limited) seems to put it quite low risk along with seafood and a few other food groups. Love raw milk doesn't make me queasy like processed stuff.
High Risk?
Posted on 04-11-2015 14:31 | By Plonker
being on the road is a high risk, so when does drinking the real thing, the natural thing then become "high risk?"
carefull
Posted on 04-11-2015 22:35 | By canyoubelieveit
my mum always scoulded the milk before we drank it, we werent allowed to drink the raw milk.....
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