Raw Milk Regulation Needs Revision: Food Standard Agency Says

The Food Standard Agency decided that the proposal for raw milk regulation needs to be revised to accommodate other sources of purchase but the final decision has not yet been made. At the present, raw milk can be bought straight from farmers but the Agency has been considering increased availability of raw milk in shops and grocery stores. The purchase of raw milk from farmers needs to be under tight controls however because of the cases of E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria infections among its consumers.

The Food standard Agency Board announced that the proposal will be discussed further only after the Food Standard Agency has passed their recommendation together with the evidences supporting health risks which will be expected this December 2014. The board was concerned regarding the health risks that can be brought about by raw milk and although the public has been warned, majority of the consumers still didn't realize their risk.

The Food Board emphasized upon the revision of the raw milk regulation and its expansion, that the sales for rapid drinking milk market may grow. Statistics show however, that the number of cases of infection detected after consumption of unpasteurized raw milk has decreased after banning raw milk in Scotland. The Food Standard code allows the distribution of cheese from raw milk but only from those manufacturers who have implemented strict controls. The determination of the exact temperature, detection of contamination and animal health are the factors that should be observed. Chief Executive officer of Food Standard in Australia and New Zealand, Steve McCutcheon stressed that small and large business owners should ensure that enforcement agencies are doing their job.

Officials from dairy industries hope that the revision of the raw milk regulation would benefit both the consumers and business owners. Suppliers of raw milk mentioned that raw milk tastes a lot better than its pasteurized counterparts and has numerous health benefits as well. The Food Standard Agency Board is convinced that the final decision for raw milk regulation would satisfy both sides of the coin. 

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