As I near the end of my usefulness, regarding the RAW MILK debate - I eagerly await someone to take the baton......Any continuation needs to come from outside the dairy industry. As a farmer, I'll be seen to be persuing financial gain in the outcome. The truth is, I already receive the main benefit - of drinking real fresh milk - every single day. In undertaking this project - I understood only too well the scale of the obstacles in place. The multi-million dollar companies clearly have vested interests in maintaining the supply chain's 'status quo'. While it continues to amaze me, in a deregulated market, the farmer has no opportunity to compete in the market place. This, of course, thanks to FSANZ deeming RAW MILK to be unfit for human consumption.
There must be a hidden agenda at play here - because there has not been 1 single death in Australia, related to the consumption of RAW MILK (in the past 3 decades). Despite a growing 'black market' of health concious consumers over the past 10 years, there have still been no reported deaths in our country. FSANZ are well aware of this market, as they are now putting 'plain clothed' inspectors into health stores - with the very real threat of huge fines, and possible closure. So powerless do these stores now feel, that only one of the ten I sent a petition flyer to, responded - with a reluctance to take a position of support for this issue.
Over the past month, I have shared my blog and petition with many forums on facebook and twitter - including TODAY, SUNRISE, MORNINGS, ACA, TODAY TONIGHT, 612ABC, 97.3FM, B105......and many personal 'health crusaders'. Unfortunately none of the above, (and many more) have been interested in picking up on this depravation of our CIVIL RIGHT to choose....in a free country!
Perhaps in part - because this battle has been fought (and lost) many times in recent years. Perhaps this issue just doesn't tug at the heart strings....to attract the all important TV ratings that drive our modern networks. Perhaps it's just too hard to try.
It is after all - the LAW. Does that make it right? I am greatly concerned that, through a cleverly coordinated campaign of PROPAGANDA - our government (via FSANZ), have educated the greater population of Australia. The lesson learnt? "Raw dairy products carry too great a health risk". As I like to say, "We need to separate opinion from fact!"
FSANZ did carry out an extensive review of Dairy Products, over the past 3 years. Their resultant document of 119 pages, contains both opinions....and facts. The FACTS overwhelmingly support the very low level of risk, associated with our consumption of raw dairy products - both domestically and globally. Unfortunately, their outcome (based almost entirely on hypothetical opinion) condemned the food safety of raw dairy products.Our current 1332 signatures is a great start - but that's all it is. It is such a small, insignificant percentage of Australian consumers, that it simply confirms FSANZ position - the level of demand does not warrant another review. To add any momentum, this argument now needs support from a heavyweight - from within the health or nutrition sectors (or both).
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/legalize-the-sale-of-raw-dairy-products.html
Hi, I just found out about this and have signed and shared the petition to allow raw milk. Thanks for helping to change the law.
ReplyDeleteTrying to make a difference....a lot of dillusional people out there who happily apply the definition of INSANITY on a daily basis!
DeleteCheers for your support - and all the best for your QUEST...2015 lookout!!
May I simply point out (without getting into any debate about the safety or not of raw milk) that since raw milk is illegal in Australia currently and has been for decades it is not actually an impressive statement to say that no one has died from raw milk consumption. What you are actually saying is "A very small % of the population of Australia drink raw milk regularly and none of them have died" which is far less impressive than saying "Raw milk is readily available and there have been no deaths among the larger % of people who consume it"
ReplyDeleteAlso, death of infants from listeriosis would not be counted as deaths caused by raw milk but one could argue that it is possible that raw milk could have been a source of listeria.
G'day megz1012 - really appreciate the feedback.
DeleteSo as long as it is scientifically hypothetically possible - we must absolutely without discretion eliminate the source of all risk from our lives?
Without getting into the debate - I would suggest that 100,000 people in Australia, every year (conservatively) for the past 40 years...with ZERO confirmed deaths is a VERY IMPRESSIVE argument. But that's just my opinion.
This from an official Australian health site -
Listeria high risk foods
The following high risk foods should be avoided:
Ready-to-eat seafood such as smoked fish or mussels, oysters or raw seafood such as sashimi or sushi
Pre-prepared or pre-packaged fruit and vegetable salads including those available from buffets, salad bars and sandwich bars
Drinks made from fresh fruit and vegetables where washing procedures are unknown (excluding pasteurised or canned juices)
Deli meats which are eaten without further cooking or heating, such as pate, ham, Strasbourg (Stras) and salami and cooked and diced chicken (as used in sandwich shops)
Any unpasteurised milk or foods made from unpasteurised milk
Soft-serve icecreams
Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, ricotta and feta (these are safe if cooked and served hot)
Ready-to-eat foods, including leftover meats, which have been refrigerated for more than one day
Dips and salad dressings in which vegetables may have been dipped
Raw vegetable garnishes.
It would appear there is a fair agument for discrimination against raw milk - as all others listed are LEGAL according to FSANZ
Need I continue?
Cheers,
Farmer Gregie
Up to 2000+ signatures now. I just signed it.
ReplyDelete