According to CDC, between 1998 and 2011, about 79% of the dairy-related illness outbreaks were caused by
cheese or raw milk (unpasteurized) products. 148 outbreaks and 2,384 illnesses were reported during that time.
284 required hospitalizations and 2 deaths were caused by cheese or raw milk products. Although these numbers
seem small, there are risks. At a federal level, although the FDA forbids the sale or distribution of raw
(unpasteurized) milk, 13 states allow the sale of raw milk in their retail stores, and another 17 states allow the
sale of raw milk on the actual farm that the milk was produced.
Explain the thinking that caused the FDA to forbid the sale and distribution of raw milk.
A)
Unpasteurized milk has the shortest shelf-life.
B)
Parasitic organisms that live in cows can be passed on to humans.
Unpasteurized milk has a short shelf-life and costs more money to produce.
D)
Microorganisms found in unpasteurized milk can cause illness and even
death.
