The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)has asked state health officials in the US to further restrict the sale of raw milk,in order to improve food safety in the country.
In a letter to the officials,the CDC noted that unpasteurized milk may carry pathogens such as E.coli,Campylobacter and Salmonella.These pathogens contaminate the milk during the milking process.
Between 1998 and 2009,CDC recorded 93 outbreaks were caused due to raw milk or raw milk products.These outbreaks led to 1,837 illnesses,195 hospitalizations and two deaths.
CDC advised that pasteurization is the only way to ensure that milk does not contain harmful pathogens.It added that state regulators should support pasteurization and consider further restricting or prohibiting the sale and distribution of raw milk and raw milk products,reported Foodsafetynews.com.
Currently,raw milk sales are prohibited in 18 states in the US.While 17 states permit direct sales from farm to consumers,the remaining 16 states allow raw milk sale.
