Introduction
CHARLTON, N.Y. — The debate over raw milk is gaining traction nationwide, coinciding with scrutiny surrounding President Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. At Willow Marsh Farm in Charlton, raw milk sales exceed 300 gallons per week.
The Allure of Raw Milk
Chuck Curtiss, co-owner of Willow Marsh Farm, stated, ‘We milk the cows twice a day. The milk is filtered, cooled immediately, and then it is filled into these jugs.’ He attributes the popularity of raw milk to its supposed health benefits, including relief for eczema, ear infections, and inflammation. ‘This is a big concern in the public; it’s not processed,’ he added.
Health Expert Concerns
However, nutrition experts urge caution regarding raw milk consumption. ‘Raw milk accounts for many pathogens. We’re very concerned with things that are common, like E. coli, salmonella, listeria,’ warned Selina Preyer-Blakney, an assistant professor of nutrition at Russell Sage College.
Challenging Lactose Intolerance
Curtiss further challenges conventional beliefs about lactose intolerance, asserting, ‘I’ve been told I’m lactose intolerant, but now I can drink it. We’re not lactose intolerant; we’re pasteurization intolerant.’ Still, Preyer-Blakney remains skeptical, noting, ‘The thought process is that there is an enzyme in raw milk that can deactivate lactose, but the research does not show that to be true.’
Recommendations
Despite some anecdotal evidence suggesting lower allergy and asthma rates among farm-raised children who consume raw milk, Preyer-Blakney asserts, ‘The risk outweighs the benefits, and the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend raw milk for children.’ Other notable organizations, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the World Health Organization, the CDC, and the National Institutes of Health, also advise against it.
Comments are closed