Drinking Raw Milk

That's right! We've been waiting for this opportunity since the beginning of July. It's official now, we have joined a herdshare program. Hubby and I have been reading about the benefits of raw milk for a while and are quite convinced that raw milk from a real feed cow is healthier.

I'll admit though that when Hubby brought home our first gallon of raw milk I was both thrilled and slightly anxious. I fully trust the herdshare program that is supplying our milk. I know that their cows are very well treated and the milk is expressed and stored in an extremely sanitary manner. But still I felt a little anxious. Why? Well... I'm choosing to do the opposite of what I have been told to believe and say as a nurse. Not long ago I would have gladly stood beside those health officials that claim that "any possible benefits [of raw milk] are far outweighed by the serious risk of illness from drinking raw milk" (Health Canada).

But my opinion has changed. I recognize now that Canada's view of raw milk is skewed. In France, as well as the UK and Germany, the sale of raw milk is authorised but strictly controlled. Of course farmers selling raw milk have to meet stricter regulations to prevent human illness. It makes sense. But it's not illegal to sell raw milk like it is here in Canada. In fact, there are even vending machines in France and Italy that sell raw milk. Don't you think that's neat?

I've also come to realize that there are many things that cause food borne illness that we have access to on a daily basis. For example, meat, seafood, lunch meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables can carry pathogens and cause food borne illness. Yet, we can still buy these foods legally. I'm starting to wonder if there is more to the illegality of buying raw milk that meets the eye.