Going Truly Organic: Unpasteurized Milk and Infectious Diseases

Source: CDC.gov

Like many, I prefer the organic foods section of the grocery store, however, I do have my limits. 

Here is an interesting article, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, that reminds us of the perils of consuming unpasteurized, straight from the farm, organic milk.  In this case, an outbreak of Q fever was reported from a Michigan dairy.

Raw milk consumption has increased in popularity with many people purchasing milk directly collected from a dairy milking parlor. Although direct purchase of raw milk is illegal, purchase through a cow share arrangement is not. Such dairies are not inspected by regulatory authorities and are not expected to meet minimum safety standards.

Consuming raw, unpasteurized milk is associated with infectious diseases health risks. But, don't just take my word for it, read about it here from the CDC.