Illegal Substance

The Washington Post ran an interesting article Sunday, (October 1,2006) entitled, "The Raw Deal".

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/27/AR2006092700108.html

In it, journalist Thomas Bartlett deftly describes his investigation of the only food to be made illegal - raw milk. He uncovers and challenges some of the many biases held by the FDA and state agencies. Health officials liken it to pot and heroin. Yet this illegal substance has brought life and vitality to so many that they are willing to go to any length to get it.

Why is raw milk the ONLY food that has been made illegal when NO food or water is immune from contamination? All dairy products account for less than 1% of all outbreaks. Raw milk is legally sold in 25 states including South Carolina, but it is ILLEGAL in North Carolina.

In 2004, health officials re-wrote the law to prohibit partial ownership of a cow (cow share) making it illegal to drink raw milk from that animal. This law was created without any public knowledge or hearing. Yet the health official involved stated that she had full support of the Dairy industry. Of course she did!

Other Slow Foods members may not be aware of this issue. The real concern is that we are not permitted the FREEDOM of food choice. If big business is allowed to influence our health officials, what is next? Will they outlaw composted cow manure ( E.coli threat?) or confiscate heirloom tomato seeds (for patented seeds)? These restrictions happen slowly but when they do, it is more difficult to reverse a law than make one.

There are many farmers who want to provide clean raw milk for North Carolinians. One farmer told me that he gets $1 per gallon for the milk he sends to the co-op. Half his monthly income, $1000, is spent on the haul fee to get it there. Local customers will pay him $3/gal. on farm. He is hoping that this income will keep him in business. He like many other farmers who provide clean raw milk from grass fed (not confined factory) cows, gets harassed by our state officials. How is it a health issue if farmers can drink raw milk but not the public?

I am working with NC Senator Kay Hagan to repeal the ban on cow shares. Please support the many MDs, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and many, many thriving families in North Carolina who want to make clean, raw milk from grass-fed, sustainably raised cows a LEGAL food choice.

For more information or to join our effort, please contact me at EatReal@gmail.com.
Yours Sincerely, Ruth Ann Foster Slow Foods member and Weston A. Price Foundation, Greensboro Chapter Leader