The Question of Raw Milk

Raw milk: milk that has not been subjected to pasteurization.

Pasteurization: the process of heating liquids for the purpose of destroying viruses and harmful organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, molds, and yeasts. (Wikipedia) This is usually done at 145 F (63 C ) for 30 minutes.

There are multiple methods for pasteurizing food and drink, including a "high temperature/short time" (HTST) method, in which the milk is forced between metal plates or through pipes heated on the outside by hot water, and is heated to 71.7 °C (161 °F) for 15-20 seconds. (Wikipedia)

And also 'flash pasteurization' where: The liquid moves in a controlled, continuous flow while subjected to temperatures of 71.5 °C (160 °F) to 74 °C (165 °F), for about 15 to 30 seconds, a ratio expressed as pasteurization units. (Wikipedia)

The concept of consuming raw milk is a controversial thing. Evidence from both sides paint a convincing picture of either its nigh on curative properties or its extreme destructiveness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) say pathogens contained in the unpasteurized dairy product make it dangerous to drink. But there are people who say that raw milk can be produced safely, and be healthier than the heat processed milk.

Although the FDA and CDC are doing their best to keep the product off the market, certain loopholes exist, like leasing the cow itself rather than trying to sell the milk directly. All states allows cheese made of raw milk so long as it has been aged two months, however, and more than half of the states allow the selling of raw milk, with certain restrictions varying on the state.

People are speaking out about the inhumane use of cows: hormone injecting, pesticides, larvacides, quality of life, strain of overproducing, etc. From all of the things put into the cow, how can it be any less dangerous to drink milk without any of these precautions? Those against raw milk speak about salmonella, tuberculosis, typhoid, polio, and a host of other potentially fatal diseases.

Among those who drink milk without processing, some say grass fed cows produce the most nutritive milk. Yet again, other people state that cows are not the best choice, and it is goat's milk one must drink, because of it being healthier; comparing the eating habits of the animals as part of their reason. Some raw foodists speak for raw milk, while most are against it.

So what to do? Personally, I'm for setting the cows free. We'd all benefit, though I am not sure what would happen to all of the cows and the farmers who produce them.