Here in the State of CA we have some of the most stringent safety protocols in the world for raw dairy. We feed our milk raw to our own families, including young children, straight out of the bottle. Safety is our first priority. That being said, many of our Desi (of India) customers have always and will always boil their milk before consuming, as is the tradition in India. California is a huge melting pot of cultures from around the world. Our customers vary in how they use our products, and every culture has its own traditions.
According to the CDC raw milk is extremely dangerous and should never be consumed before pasteurizing: Raw Milk | Raw Milk | Food Safety | CDC
Yes, raw milk can harbor pathogens and can possibly make you sick. But how dangerous is it really? Chris Kresser breaks down the data here: Raw Milk Reality – Chris Kresser
Statistically you are 4x more likely to get sick from eating a salad. Of all the raw foods out there to consume, oysters carry the highest risk of them all. As a consumer you have to make the choice that you feel is right for your family. Many people find that raw milk is worth this minimal risk.
Raw milk has been consumed for thousands of years and was considered an overall very safe food with rarely any adverse effects. Understanding its history is important. Why did people all-of-a-sudden get sick from raw milk in the 19th century during the start of the industrial revolution? The disgusting practices of the swill dairies in filthy large cities at the time are largely to blame. If you want to learn more about the history of raw milk, we recommend perusing these various sources:
Swill Milk and How Raw Milk Became a Scapegoat for Big Business – GetRawMilk.com
Raw Milk Ban History! | Real Food Consumer Coalition (realfoodcc.com)
Brief History of Raw Milk and Pasteurization — Nourish with Kristin
