The Public Opinion Soapbox

crh8061 · Joined: 15 Sep 2008 Posts: 2

The raw milk article in the 9/12/08 issue makes me think that the Dept. of Agriculture isn't getting their share of the milkmoney! If people want the product why not leave the poor guy sell it, I understand he needs a permit but the way they have gone about busting this guy makes me wonder. Too bad they can't bust Meth or Herion dealers with this gusto! :twisted:

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

I also wonder why he can't just get a permit? Raw milk is a health hazard if proper precautions aren't taken. Children and the elderly are susceptible to bacteria in raw milk, and just one sick kid will have people banging down the health departments door. No matter how remote the chances, there's a reason American food is among the safest in the world.

I'm all for this guy's right to sell his milk, and for people to buy it. I just don't understand why he can't get the permit. I believe someone sells raw milk, legally, in the Newburg area.

taylor28 · Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 32

Well raw milk is prohibited in most countries.
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Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

Most countries, including Canada, prohibit the sale and consumption of raw milk. There are 28 states in the US that do allow the sale of of raw milk, whether on the farm or in a store. There's only one catch...

YOU NEED A PERMIT!

The Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration and numerous other world-wide regulatory agencies say that pathogens from raw milk make it unsafe to consume; particularly for children, the elderly, people with cancer or an immunodeficiency, recipients of new organs and women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy.

crh8061 · Joined: 15 Sep 2008 Posts: 2

Yes, I don't understand either why the man won't get the permit. I haven't researched the topic, but I know many Plain, Amish, and others like those drink it. It was the way they went about busting him that got to me. Maybe in the coming days we'll find out about the permit. I wonder how much it costs or how much the government gets out of the deal?

taylor28 · Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 32

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

I think that people should be able to eat or drink whatever they want; but they need to take responsibility for the risks and the sellers need to have a permit so that they know to give the proper precautions to buyers. If you let any farmer just open shop and sell raw milk without a permit and know the proper way to handle and sell the milk, then they're opening themselves and the FDA and the Agricultural Department to lawsuits.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3043 Location: Chambersburg

The permit is free, but the man refused to get one because the selling of soft cheeses is still prohibited with a permit and he sold soft cheeses.

I'm not sure I follow his logic. Get the permit and 'give' the soft cheeses away to people who make a nominal donation... or something Rolling Eyes

I agree that people should be able to consume whatever, as long as they take personal responsibility, taxpayers don't end up footing the bill when something bad happens and nobody infringes on my (or anyone else's rights) while exercising their personal choice.