[troutman]

http://www.agbioworld.org/newsletter...ve&newsid=2458

While most people recover from E.coli O157:H7, 5-10 per cent of cases go on to develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which is characterized by kidney failure. It's not fun.

Regardless, raw, unpasteurized milk has been gaining in popularity as part of the growing organic and natural foods movement. Proponents say raw milk is healthier and better tasting than pasteurized, milk. The glowing media coverage of all things natural abounds.

Under federal law in Canada it is illegal to sell or distribute raw milk because of the risk of transmitting disease from microorganisms like E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter, which are eliminated during the process of pasteurization.

And in Ontario, if you're caught selling, or even giving away raw milk, the fine can be as much as $5,000. In the U.S., unpasteurized milk is legally allowed for sale in 28 states. In Washington state, the farm must be licensed through the state and each bottle must have a warning label.

Raw milk drinkers believe the pasteurized milk found on grocery store shelves lack the essential enzymes and nutrients necessary to absorb calcium -- yet research shows this is simply not the case. The only things lacking in pasteurized milk are the bacteria that make people -- especially kids -- seriously ill.

With proper testing, it may be possible to offer a safe, unpasteurized product to the consuming public. But the onus is on producers to show the rest of us that data. Adults, do whatever you think works, but please, don't impose your dietary regimes on your kids. Flowery words don't do much for kids in the hospital.

http://www.uoguelph.ca/foodsafetynetwork/

http://www.uoguelph.ca/foodsafetynetwork/raw-milk

The consumption of raw milk is not recommended. The potential risk(s) associated with the consumption of raw milk outweigh the alleged benefits, as evidenced by the scientific literature.

Raw Milk in Modern Times

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/...-modern-times/