I spend a lot of time trying to convince companies why it is a bad idea to poison their customers – either suing them through Marler Clark or educating them through Outbreak Inc

Educating consumers is also something we all need to do for ourselves.  We need to pay attention to what we consume.  However, in our search for knowledge about what may be good for us, shouldn’t we expect that the manufacturers and sellers of our food be fair and unbiased about the risks of consuming the food they sell us?

Warning Labels – the "Holy Grail" of manufacturers and sellers.  Many manufacturers and sellers think that a warning label saves them from their customer (or the customer’s child) from suing them if the product in fact has a defect – in the case of food – a pathogen that can sicken or kill.  But, a warning label is a "double-edged sword."  If you are too honest – "the product may contain E. coli, Listeria or Campylobacter – consume this product and it may kill you" – that might be bad for sales?  Too vague and what do you get?

What do you think about Organic Pastures’ warning label?  Real or Imaginary?  Perhaps it is just best to keep the shit out.

California Code of Regulations

Title 17. Public Health
Division 1. State Department of Health Services
Chapter 5. Sanitation (Environmental)
Subchapter 2. Foods and Drugs
Article 3.7. Raw Milk and Raw Milk Products

S 17:11380. Required Health Warning on Labels of Raw Milk and Raw Milk Products.

(a) Raw Milk and raw milk products shall bear the following warning on the principal display panel or panels of the label:

WARNING

Raw (unpasteurized) milk and raw milk dairy products may contain disease-causing micro-organisms. Persons at highest risk of disease from these organisms include newborns and infants; the elderly; pregnant women; those taking corticosteroids, antibiotics or antacids; and those having chronic illnesses or other conditions that weaken their immunity.

‘Raw milk product’ means any food which contains raw milk, and shall include, but not be limited to, cheese (except when ripened or cured at least 60 days pursuant to sections 37975 and 38001 Food & Agric. of the Food and Agricultural Code), cream, butter and kefir.

Hmm, I wonder if Organic Pasture’s Warnings are sufficient?