Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

FDA, Health Canada opens public comment period for cheese made with raw milk

Consuming raw-milk cheese raises the risk of contracting Listeria

By , Farms.com

 The debate into the safety of raw milk or dairy products made with raw milk is often a contentious one. According to a joint risk assessment drafted by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada, found that people are up to 160 times more likely to contract Listeria from consuming soft-ripened cheese made from raw milk, compared to cheese that was made with pasteurized milk.

The FDA and Health Canada have since published its assessment for public comment for both U.S and Canadian citizens to participate. The comment period closes April 29, 2013.

The findings suggest that there is one case of listeriosis that can be linked to raw-milk cheese for every 55 million servings of raw-milk cheese that has been consumed, compared to pasteurized cheese it’s one case to every 8.64 billion servings.

U.S citizens can participate in the public comment period by submitting comments electronically – through the docket FDA-2012-N-1182 on regulations.gov. Canadian citizens can find out more information through Government of Canada website.


Trending Video

Ag Matters Podcast - Episode 2: Why Public Trust Matters

Video: Ag Matters Podcast - Episode 2: Why Public Trust Matters

In this episode, we explore the topic of public trust in agriculture with two incredible guests: Susie Miller from the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops and Jackie Dudgeon-MacDonald, a lifelong farmer and advocate for Canadian farming.

Susie provides insights into the role of policy and industry standards in supporting sustainability and transparency, highlighting how collaborative efforts shape Canadian crops' future. Jackie shares her unique experience as a farmer managing grain and cattle operations, balancing family life, and navigating direct-to-consumer relationships. Together, they unpack the meaning of public trust, the importance of transparency in farming practices, and how meaningful connections with consumers can strengthen the bond between farmers and the public.

This episode offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at how Canadian agriculture is striving to earn and maintain consumers' trust—now and for future generations.