With the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) today publishing a report that shows drinking raw milk can pose health risks, the FSAI has come out to reiterate its stance on the issue.

The FSAI states that raw milk should be at least boiled before drinking to kill dangerous bacteria and should never be sold to consumers.

Despite high hygiene standards on farms, there is still a risk that milk could be contaminated. Pathogens such as E. coli O157 (VTEC), Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria can be found in raw milk, all causing serious illness.

In Australia, the death of a child and the hospitalisation of four others were associated with drinking raw milk in December last year.

Selling milk direct from farm - legal responsibilities