I can hear the gnashing of teeth and the wails of injustice for the “Teat Party” (combination of hippies and the tea party) activist once they see the article in the Racine, Wisconsin Journal Times possibly linking raw milk consumption to school kids becoming ill. According to the Journal Times:

raw 3.jpgAt least 16 people have been sickened by an outbreak of foodborne illness, which started at North Cape Elementary School.

“We are in the process of doing an investigation,” said Cheryl Mazmanian, director and health officer for the Western Racine County Health Department. That is being done in conjunction with the state hygiene laboratory and the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

The incident apparently began about June 3 when a number of foods were served at a celebration for fourth-graders. Symptoms – diarrhea and similar gastrointestinal problems – were first reported about June 6, she said.

“Raw milk was served. We have not pinpointed it as that,” Mazmanian said.

It is a usual item to be served, and it is a higher-risk food, but tests have not defined the milk as the source of bacteria nor ruled out other foods, she said.

I expect to hear that it is part of a FDA sponsored conspiracy against expanding raw milk sales in Wisconsin.  Raw milk is not “magic.”  It has real risks – See Real Raw Milk Facts.