We're all for the freedom of choice allowed in this state for those who want to buy raw milk. But caution is well advised for consumers, producers and even retailers. The dangers are very real.
The benefits of raw milk? For most people, it's not worth going there. Pasteurized milk serves the public incredibly well, providing immense nutrition at extremely reduced risk for infections, many severe and life-threatening.
As the Seattle P-I's Andrew Schneider reported, 26 states ban raw milk sales. Washington has a healthy tradition of trusting people to make their own educated decisions. Raw milk products must be labeled, and stores must also post a notice. Restaurants cannot use raw milk products.
Strict enforcement by the state agriculture and health departments is critical to providing choice and reasonable safety. The civil legal system also has a role. As food safety attorney Bill Marler said, "If you poison a little child by selling a product that could easily be pasteurized, you're going to have to deal with the legal issues surrounding that."
Health care professionals often say they wouldn't serve unpasteurized milk to their children. We believe in people making their own decisions, but that's valuable advice.
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