PROTECTIVE COMPONENTS OF RAW MILK. Raw milk contains numerous
components that assist in:
* Killing pathogens in the milk (lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin,
leukocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, antibodies, medium chain
fatty acids, lysozyme, B12 binding protein, bifidus factor,
beneficial bacteria);
* Preventing pathogen absorption across the intestinal wall
(polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, mucins, fibronectin, glycomacropeptides,
bifidus factor, beneficial bacteria);
* Strengthening the Immune System (lymphocytes, immunoglobulins,
antibodies, hormones and growth factors) (Scientific American,
December 1995; British J of Nutrition, 2000:84(Suppl. 1):S3-S10,
S75-S80, S81-S89).
FORTY-YEAR-OLD SCIENCE AND ANCIENT HISTORY: Claims that raw
milk is unsafe are based on 40-year-old science and century-old
experiences from distillery dairy “factory farms”
in rapidly urbanizing nineteenth century America.
MODERN ADVANTAGES: Compared to 30-50 years ago, dairy farmers
today can take advantage of many advancements that contribute
to a dramatically safer product including pasture grazing,
herd testing, effective cleaning systems, refrigeration and
easier, significantly less expensive, more accessible and
more sophisticated milk and herd disease testing techniques.
UNIQUE FOOD: Raw milk is the ONLY food that has extensive
built-in safety mechanisms and numerous components to create
a healthy immune system.
Mark McAfee, owner of Organic Pastures raw milk
dairy located in California discusses raw milk vs. pasteurized
milk.
While this Co-op promotes raw milk and believes that the
dangers of raw milk are both minimal when obtained from a
trusted source like those we strive to bring to you, it is
true that raw milk - like pasteurized milk or produce- can
become contaminated. It is important to be absolutely informed
about the risks and benefits of consuming raw milk and make
an informed decision.
A new website was just launched by raw milk opponents and
can be found at:
While our producers and members disagree with the idea that
pasteruized milk is better than raw milk, we urge all consumers
to become educated on the risks and stay abreast of changes.
That means reviewing inforation from all sides of the issue.
Below are additional links to information of that nature:
