Microbiological criteria for raw milk for direct human consumption

Since January 2008, in the American State of California, milk sold raw to consumers has to comply with the legal criterium: number of coliform bacteria no more than 10 colony forming units (cfu)/ml. Reason The main reason to establish a microbiological criterium is the health risk posed by drinking raw milk. Moreover, the same standard is already used with success for raw milk sold for direct consumption in several western states, including Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Washington. Infections That consumption of raw milk is repeatedly involved in disease outbreaks can be concluded from data of the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the period 1998 -2005 45 outbreaks were reported which were associated with the consumption of raw milk. The outbreaks involved 1007 persons, of which 164 had to be admitted to hospital and 2 persons died. According to the data of the CDC, about 1% of all food infections and intoxications is caused by consumption of raw milk. Additional GMP-measures In addition to the assessment of a microbiological criterium ( 10 cfu/ml of coliform bacteria), the State of California has also suggested to implement a number of hygiene rules for farmers to reduce the risk of contamination of the raw milk. The main recommendations are: preventing soiling of cows with feces by ensuring proper housing, bedding and frequent removal of manure; washing and drying of udder and teats prior to milking; application of teat sanitizers; ensuring that milkers have clean and dry hands; milking cows with infected udders last, and ensuring such milk is properly excluded from milk intended for consumption; ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection of the entire milking system including the milk cooling tank; using equipment of hygienic design and kept in good order; ensuring fast and proper cooling of the milk to a temperature below 7C. Source: http://www.marlerblog.com/2008/01/articles/legal-cases/so-whats-the-beef-with-the-newcalifornia-raw-milk-safety-rules/index.html Editorial note. The current federal legislation in the United States, which became effective in 1987, prohibits sale across state lines of raw milk packaged for consumer use (interstate sale). Sale of raw milk within states is regulated by the individual states however. In 2006 sale of raw milk was still allowed in 26 states, with restrictions varying between states.

Food Doctors 2007. ISSN: 1875-192X. Articles are exclusively for personal use by subscribers. Food Doctors is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the published articles. Corresponding author Mrs. Ir. Klaske van Hoeij MSc (vanhoeij@fooddoctors.com).