Raw Milk
There is a good reason why raw milk (unpasteurized milk) is not permitted for sale in Canada - it is not safe to drink.
Raw milk that has not been pasteurized is not permitted for sale in Canada according to the federal Food and Drugs Act.
B.08.002.2 (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall sell the normal lacteal secretion obtained from the mammary gland of the cow, genus Bos, or of any other animal, or sell a dairy product made with any such secretion, unless the secretion or dairy product has been pasteurized
Raw milk is unsanitary and may contain feces, urine, and other environmental contaminants from the source animal and its environment. Heat treatment of milk (pasteurization) kills most bacteria in milk.
Several studies and tests confirm that raw milk can contain a number of disease causing organisms. The “big four” include Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter. Many of these organisms can cause severe illnesses that, in some cases, may have permanent effects. In severe cases, illness resulting from these four organisms can even cause death. People with compromised or undeveloped immune systems such as the elderly, people with certain chronic diseases, pregnant women, and young children are particularly vulnerable.
Summary of Diseases from Raw Milk
It is true that raw milk can be sold legally in 29 of the 50 US states. However, this does not mean it is safe to consume. Regulation and testing will not guarantee that raw milk is safe to drink. All 29 US states where raw milk is allowed to be sold legally have testing and inspection programs for raw milk dairy farms. Despite this testing and inspection regime, outbreaks and recalls associated with certified raw milk dairy farms continue to occur on a regular basis.
Summary of Raw Milk Outbreaks in North America from 2000 to 2011
BC is not immune to illnesses caused by raw milk. Even though the consumption of raw milk in BC is relatively small because of our laws on raw milk sales, there have been several outbreaks caused by the consumption of raw milk in BC.
Raw goat's milk outbreak in BC sickens children in 2001.
In those cases where children have become ill from the consumption of raw milk, it is often the case that these children were given this product by well-intentioned parents. Regarding the purported 'healthiness' of raw milk, there is no credible or scientific evidence that consumption of raw milk produces any measurable health benefits.
Pasteurization of raw milk simply heats the milk to kill the disease causing bacteria - exactly the same type of process as when one cooks poultry or meat. Only vitamins A and D are added to pasteurized milk to replace those vitamins that are reduced when butterfat (cream) is removed to make lower fat milk products. No other additives or preservatives can be legally added to milk. Vitamin A improves eyesight, helping you to see better at night or in dim light and to tell colours apart. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Pasteurization of raw milk has prevented thousands of illnesses and deaths. It is one of the greatest advances in public health of the 20th century.