Brussels, 15/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - Raw drinking milk (RDM) can be a source of harmful bacteria, mainly Campylobacter, Salmonella and shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). These can lead to serious diseases in certain kinds of patients but due to the lack of available epidemiological data, it is impossible to accurately quantify the risk linked to the consumption of this kind of milk, according to the European Food Safety Agency, in a scientific opinion published on Wednesday 14 January.
This opinion was prepared by an EFSA scientific panel on biological hazards (BIOHAZ), which invited experts to speak on the public health risks associated with the consumption of raw drinking milk in the EU. These experts recommend that EFSA improves its data and communication to consumers.
Boil raw milk before consuming it. In EU legislation terms (Regulation 853/2004) “raw milk” covers cow's, goats', sheep's or milk from another animal, which has not been heated to more than 40°C or which has not been subject to another treatment having the same effect. Implementation in farms of best hygiene practices currently in force in the EU is essential for reducing contamination from raw milk, while maintaining the cold chain is also important for preventing or slowing down the growth of bacteria in raw milk. Nonetheless, these practices on their own will not totally eradicate the risks. EFSA emphasises that boiling raw milk before consuming it is the most effective method of eliminating a large number of bacteria that can make us ill. EFSA explains that babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with low immunity are also at more risk of falling ill by consuming raw milk without having previously boiled it.
Evidence for raw drinking milk (RDM) as an important risk factor for human infection in the EU was based on epidemiological evidence provided by member states on the hazard in different milk-producing species in the EU. Between 2007 and 2012 there were 27 reported outbreaks in the EU involving RDM. Of these, 21 were attributed to Campylobacter, one to Salmonella Typhimurium, two to STEC and three to the virus tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Four of the 27 outbreaks were due to raw milk from goats, the rest being attributed to raw milk from cows.
Under hygiene rules currently in force in the EU, member states can ban or limit the marketing of RDM for human consumption. Selling raw milk in vending machines is authorised in some member states but consumers are generally advised to boil the milk before consuming it. (AN)