So, who is winning?

I was asked to talk with Sally Fallon Morrell on the Kojo Nnamdi show on WAMU Public Radio in D.C. last week in what the host determined to be the “Raw Milk Wars.”  The producer who called me said that she had tried to find someone, anyone, in public health to go on the show, but everyone refused.  So, she was left with me.

Sally, who has become famous for her pronouncement that raw milk is “magic” was pleasant enough, as was the host and the callers – even my friend Harry.  Some the comments on the WAMU were a bit harsh, but after two decades of being a lawyer, I am more than used to that.   I especially warm to the comments by members of the “Teat Party.”

I was struck by a number of things that Sally said during the show.  One assertion she said made me think I need to do the experiment she suggested of putting Campylobacter in raw milk, leaving it in the fridge for two days with the bottle cap off, and like magic, the Campylobacter disappears.

I was not at all surprised that she mentioned that between 1% and 3% of people in the U.S. consume raw milk – recent CDC’s FoodNet data supports that.  This gets me back to “Dead Milk” 23, “Magic Milk” 202 – who is winning?

I have been keeping track of “Outbreaks, Illnesses and Recalls Linked to Raw (Unpasteurized) and Pasteurized Dairy Products, United States since January 1, 2010 – July 30, 2011.”  Here is the breakdown:

Outbreaks

• 18 raw dairy outbreaks with 202 illnesses, 24 hospitalizations, and no deaths (16 fluid raw milk, 2 aged raw milk cheese)
• 1 pasteurized dairy outbreak with 23 illnesses, 2 hospitalizations, and no deaths
• 1 queso fresco Mexican-style cheese outbreak with 5 illnesses and hospitalizations, no deaths
• 3 sporadic illnesses and hospitalizations from illegal Mexican-style cheese, no deaths

Recalls (no illnesses reported)

• 11 raw dairy (5 fluid raw milk, 6 aged raw milk cheese)
• 6 queso fresco Mexican-style cheese
• 1 chocolate milk due to inadequate pasteurization
• 1 imported Italian cheese made from pasteurized milk

I know, I know David, some of the raw milk outbreaks and recalls are from raw milk that is intended to be pasteurized, but someone simply could not wait and drank it raw.  However, many of the above outbreaks and recalls came from raw milk truly intended to be consumed that way, and the outbreaks and recalls still happened.  Given the amount of pasteurized milk and cheese consumed in the U.S. yearly versus the amount of raw milk and cheese consumed, 23 illnesses (although unacceptable) sure seems like the winning side when then raw milk side is sickening 202.

I am sure that David, Young Bill or Sally might well dispute the numbers above or claim the outbreaks did not happen, or the recalls were not necessary, or there is simply a grand conspiracy to try and pry the glass of raw milk or slice of cheese out of their cold dead hands.  That is a debate public health should be engaged in.Continue Reading “Dead Milk” 23, “Magic Milk” 202