Food Safety Authority of Ireland release warning regarding milk consumption

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has published a report today which highlights the dangers associated with consuming raw milk.

The organisation acknowledges that while the market for raw milk is small, it does exist, so it’s extremely important to draw attention to the hazards involved in its consumption.

Commenting on the report, the Director of Food Science and Standards, Dr. Wayne Anderson said: “It remains a serious concern given the well-documented public health risks posed by the presence of pathogens in raw milk. We are therefore recommending that raw milk should be avoided by consumers, but for those who still wish to drink it, they should, at a minimum, boil the milk before drinking it to kill any potentially harmful bacteria.”

The organisation recommends the sale of raw milk for human consumption be prohibited nationwide and in a bid to protect the health of the public, all milk should be heat-treated especially when served to pregnant women, infants, children and older people.

Acknowledging that certain families around the country are more likely to consume raw milk, Dr. Anderson goes on to say: “The FSAI is aware that any ban on the sale of raw milk would not affect those farm families who choose to consume raw milk. But farm families should be particularly aware of the risk to young children and pregnant women posed by drinking raw milk and also the fact that farm visitors may not be aware that they are consuming raw milk. “

Detection rates in raw milk samples identified listeria monocytogens, E coli and salmonella.