The Hartmann dairy, from a Minnesota Department of Agriculture photo. Minnesota raw dairy producer Michael Hartmann has been in state court this week, pursuing a suit that would allow him to re-open his dairy. He’s been shut down for about three months by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, based on an outbreak of E.coli 0157:H7 that authorities say sickened at least eight consumers of his dairy’s milk.
What makes his case especially noteworthy is the fact that the authorities haven’t allowed him to re-open once he could demonstrate he had resolved potential problems at his dairy. If you look at even the most notorious cases of food illness, including the current illnesses associated with eggs, factory farms associated with illness don’t even get shut down, let alone have to petition a court to allow them to re-open.
Moreover, many of Michael Hartmann’s customers have continued to support him throughout his combat with Minnesota agriculture officials, and say they want access to his milk, despite allegations of illness. About 30 or so have attended each of this week’s court sessions on his suit, and he’s responded by hosting buffet lunches out in a park across from the court.
It will be interesting to see how the judge rules in this case. It raises a number of interesting issues.
First, there’s the old bugaboo of food freedom. How free should consumers be to choose the foods of their choice? If consumers say they understand the risks associated with one food or another, should they be free to consume it? I doubt I’d want to continue drinking Michael Hartmann’s milk based on the illnesses that have occurred–which Minnesota public health officials made a good case came from his dairy–but I’m not everyone. I respect the rights of other individuals, who have been drinking it for years without problems and feel sufficient confidence in Hartmann’s production practices, to make the choice to drink his dairy’s milk.
Second, the Hartmann case raises the issue of uneven enforcement of food safety rules. Two Iowa farms have been associated with the recall of more than half a billion eggs contaminated with salmonella. One of the farms has been associated with nearly 1,500 illnesses, and yet continues operations. This a mind-boggling number–can you imagine what would happen to a raw dairy accused of sickening even 10% of that number? It would be plowed under, and the owner likely jailed.
There are also allegations that the two Iowa farms weren’t even inspected, and that officials ignored reports from one of the farms about unsanitary conditions. Once again, imagine such a scenario with a raw dairy farm if employees reported unsanitary conditions. Officials would visit before the employees hung up the phone.
Third, there’s the issue of the public health response to these cases. Their approach to raw milk, as we know, is to try hard to prohibit or sharply limit access. Their approach to eggs contaminated by questionable factory farm practices? I’ve seen suggestions that there be required vaccination of chickens, along with pasteurization of all eggs. The effect would be to further sanitize our food supply, and narrow further the choices of us who don’t want pasteurized eggs from vaccinated chickens. Like many readers of this blog, I prefer eggs with manure and feathers on them (from small farms), that food safety officials tell me are dangerous. If they have their way, I’d lose access to this food choice as well.
And, of course, many media outlets are falling for the FDA’s line that highly burdensome and restrictive regulations provided in Senate Bill 510, which has been delayed by opponents, are the answer. Fat chance.
Well, I can tell you two effects of all these events, the Hartmann trial and the Iowa egg scandal. Demand for raw milk continues to expand and will no doubt continue to expand. And demand for eggs from backyards and small farms is exploding. Even before the Iowa shenanigans, I have found it increasingly difficult to find the kind of eggs I prefer at farmers markets unless I arrive very early at the market. I see that even food poisoning lawyer Bill Marler is joining the rush away from factory eggs by raising his own chickens.
So these two unfortunate situations in Minnesota and Iowa may prove a godsend to the regulators. Their unfair enforcement of food safety regulations and their negligence in Iowa may pave the way to new restrictions on food access for the rest of us.
***
At least some of my effort at political satire in the previous post was very offensive to some readers, who saw mainly crude sexism. I apologize to them. I don’t know the FDA commissioner–I ridiculed her only as a political symbol. ?
"DNA-Solid Evidence? You might be surprised!"
By Bob Barney-The Plain Truth
"The Plain Truth has uncovered shocking evidence that DNA convictions and acquittals just may be largely based on junk science and downright fraud. In case after case, we have documented hundreds of cases of unreliable DNA findings, which for the most part, most Americans have been led to believe that DNA evidence was rock solid. Shockingly it isn't!"
"When I was at the John Tong centre, quite often we used to put our own blood as controllers and quite often my (colleague) would walk down the aisle and say, 'I've just committed another rape at the Gold Coast'," Mr Grice told a DNA forum at Griffith University on the Gold Coast yesterday. "
"In case after case, reputable news sources are reporting convictions based on DNA evidence that simply is junk science. The Plain Truth asks the question, is DNA testing a government hoax? Keep watching the news, and do some web searches for yourself, and we think our readers will have their eyes opened!"
So ,David,what evidence besides DNA evidence was used to "link" those illnesses to the milk?
Apparently the latest reason we should not have access to raw milk is that it jeopardizes others:
Check out his infuriatingly ignorant snippet:
"Food journalists as well as people who comment in online discussions on the topic often suggest that drinking raw milk is a personal choice that cannot hurt anyone but the person who drinks it. Tauxe disagrees, adding, "If a child comes to a day care center with E. coli, it can be passed to your child, spread through feces in diapers."
(Robert Tauxe, is deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control)
From: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=raw-milk-debate
Tauxe was not aware that most human feces contains e coli and if a daycare is spreading it, the daycare center is the problem! EW! How idiotic!
Besides the whole thing was sparked by MW's attempt to schmear Aajonus for being sex-positive.
You are incorrectly attributing posts again. I did not write the comment about Aajonus.
MW
I still think David was generous in his suggestion of the FDA's open attitude about sex. My guess is that they are extremely repressive, though I could be wrong. Who knows?
If this is a legitimate question, then we are no longer America.
The only question now is how to regain our stolen right to self-determination.
Regarding who is most ugly, "let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."
MW
Do you really believe that there is no significant difference from the milk of cows treated with rBGH verses those who are not, or that Bisphenol A is harmless? The FDA does.
With those kind of ridiculous policies, is it any wonder we poke fun at the FDA commissioner? I think you are getting a little too defensive here, MW. Perhaps it is because you agree with the FDA?
Or is employed by….?
No, but I don't believe in dehumanizing each other as a way to deal with the disagreements (whether its Aajonus or the FDA Commissioner).
Sophie,
Somewhere to start…
http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/RulesRegulations/default.htm
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/index.asp
MW
The FDA site seems more straightforward than the USDA site for my needs. Are they better organized on the whole as an agency or do they just have a better webmaster/content architect?
In addition to MW's websites, here is a comprehensive list of organizations who have a hand in our food supply:
ENSURING A SAFE FOOD SUPPLY:
A CONCISE GUIDE TO THE U.S. FOOD REGULATORY SYSTEM
http://groups.ucanr.org/ucfoodsafety/files/66255.pdf
It's a tangled web. Think of all the jobs they'd lose if somebody made it simple.
-Blair
People in other parts of the world understand the value of tree leaves as animal feed.Even in the U.S. people used to gather tree leaves in the fall to feed all winter.Tree leaves are in some cases three times as rich in minerals and protein as pasture or hay.Cows and goats can get along fine without any grain or mineral supplement when they have access to trees and brush to browse on.
http://www.smallstock.info/info/feed/tree-fodder.htm
"Tree fodders contain high levels of crude protein and minerals and many show high levels of digestibility. They are readily accepted by livestock and presumably because of their deep-root systems, they continue to produce well into the dry season."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding
"Traditionally trees were pollarded for one of two reasons: for fodder to feed livestock, or for wood. Fodder pollards produced "pollard hay", which was used as livestock feed;"
THIS is what is important. S510 and all that comes with it. Learn the truth. And then go out and DO something about it instead of sitting here talking about Aajanous' sex life.
"S.510: Managers Amended Version..The corporate coopthe chicken shits come home to roost."
http://ppjg.wordpress.com/2010/09/08/s-510-managers-amended-version-the-corporate-coopthe-chicken-shits-come-home-to-roost/
Sophie,
Neither the FDA nor the USDA have any jurisdiction over you the sovereign human being. They only have jurisdiction over you the legal "person", or, the corporate fiction created when you or your parents registered you with the corporate government (drivers licenses, birth certificates). "Person" defined in legal dictionaries is not the same as in regular dictionaries. Remember, the government and all her agencies are private corporations and they only have jurisdiction over you when you enter into a contract with them.
"Food & Drug Administration is a private company categorized under County Government-Public Health Programs and located in Silver Spring, MD."
http://www.manta.com/c/mm4sf7v/food-drug-administration
The USDA is listed on manta.com, too, but I can only find the branch offices, not the HQ.
Every time you post a new entry, which usually thrills me, your readers both thrill and distract from the topic at hand – including me. It makes me laugh and worry at the same time, but you carry so much momentum, seem to juggle it well, and are so widely quoted, I just pray that the public can digest all of this. Speakeasy, debate, commentary, education – love it all, applaud you much! I check in daily not only to read your insights, but to hear others' comments, learn more, stretch farther. I've said this before, but it bears repeating. The Complete Patient (and their readers) ROCK!
Two fun developments here in Colorado –
1) 2 CU Denver professors have assigned students homework that
(a. addresses benefits of raw milk (Journalism class), and
(b. the political issues around raw milk (Political Advocacy class taught by Senator Mitchell).
I'm getting phone calls from some very sharp students.
This is progress!
2) CDPHE issued a polite, professional letter to one of our dairies, as well as a retail food outlet that offers a distribution point for raw milk shares from that dairy. After an inspection of the raw food store, they wrote letters to both maintaining that the dairy had to cease producing yogurt (and by inference, any other raw dairy products), and that the store was in violation distributing them. This is the 2nd dairy in Colorado to receive similar correspondence, and the 1st retail food outlet to receive threats of legal consequence.
This too is progress! They are begging us (consumers and producers) to step up and self-regulate, or submit to their rules. (CDPHE, I respect and appreciate your position. I realize that RMAC must establish legal path.)
"It's all divine", as my favorite CSA gal says….we'll get there, because we seek the truth, and we're so much closer to it.
-Blair
As for the so-called "food safety" bill, perhaps you haven't seen my comments on Bill Marler's blog:
http://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/umpqua-dairy-recalls-pasteurized-milk-and-juice-due-to-23-salmonella-braenderup-cases/
http://www.marlerblog.com/lawyer-oped/mr-president-senator-reid-there-are-550000000-and-one-reasons-to-move-on-s-510/
Miguel-
Very interesting — and permacultural & silvo-pastoral! I am reminded of my visit to Michael Schmidt's farm several months ago. I saw them harvesting tree branches and hanging them in the barn as decoration for the symphony. I was told that they would be saving the branches for winter as fodder for the cows.
Ah, yes. The moment I make a comment you feel the need to pick it apart. Your need to one-up everyone reveals that your ego is large, and your wisdom is small.
The crass comments about sex have no purpose on this blog, and I'm obviously the only one who has the nerve to say so. When you have nothing intelligent to add you making farting noises with your armpits like the attention-needling 12 year olds you are. Goody for you. And I'm supposed to take you seriously why?
Yes, I see that you've been busy over on Marler's blog. You've said nothing new. Same old, same old every semi-informed person in the local foods movement says. Congratulations for getting into pointless rhetorical arguments. Did you bother to read Marti & Paul's article? Did you bother to read S510 like they did, and from a legal point of view like they did? Did you post your findings on your blog like they did, or just make comments from the sidelines? Those two could teach you a thing or two if you'd stick it back in your pants and listen to someone besides yourself (these crass comments are ok, right?) Your legacy will be measured by what you actually DO about it, not how much time you spend on these blogs hee-hawing like an old donkey. So, what have you actually DONE to fight this? I bet nothing. Oh, I forgot, permaculture…
(And before you attack me for "what I'm doing about it", some of us are working quietly from the sidelines, but we get no credit, because people like you would rather spread feel-good PR than actually get into the thick of it and fight.)
Understand this about Marler – he wants S510 to pass for one reason (no matter what he tells you), and one reason only: S510 will further consolidate and industrialize the food system, increasing the number of food-borne illnesses. More money for Marler. You can try to change his mind, but I doubt you will be successful.
This is what CP & Lykke used to do. Get into fights and make comments several times a day. I'll tell you what. I'm not getting into some stupid fight with you. You can have the last word like your ego demands. Say what you want to me, this is my last post to you. You're just a young man who has a lot of education but no worldly experience. I know I'm not the only person who can see that.
Goats that are free to browse all day long have few problems with parasites, are amazingly sleek and glossy, and their milk is especially rich and delicious. Tree/shrub leaves, twigs and bark contain excellent and correct amounts of sugar, protein, fiber and minerals.
I always tell new goat owners, "Browse for goats is meat, and grass is salad…. for goats as for humans, the salad is optional."
If one must feed hay, especially grass hay, goats will need an exceptional mineral replacement program, high in copper which repels most parasites and prevents health problems; the higher copper the better… even up to 1700 ppm copper, in granular minerals fed free-choice.
Unfortunately, most people feed their goats the very deficient "Sheep & Goat" type minerals which contain around 10-15 ppm copper, a disaster for goats because while copper kills sheep, insufficient copper eventually kills goats.
I enjoy all your posts, but I enjoy the made-up interview stuff the least. This is still a great, informative blog!
Goatmaid:
I feed my goats loose goat mineral since their forage consists mainly of grass and forbs. Do you have a particular brand of mineral you would recommend?
I spent Saturday and Sunday in San Francisco at Ghiradelli Square handing out samples of raw milk to participants of the annual Ghiradelli Chocolate festival….we handed out about 5000 samples or more of raw milk….it was ten deep for five hours each day.
Last year people would say….what is raw milk?….this year people said….I have heard of raw milk in the news and would love to try some…!!
Lots of people saying things like….I have lactose intolerance and can not drink pasteurized milk….they would stand arround and ask lots of questions and take samples of raw milk. Many people returning on the second day for more and reporting no problems with drinking raw milk. We also saw so many of our customers that love us…
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7279766&id=171911861180&ref=fbx_album
That is progress. We were interviewed by food bloggers and local media. Everyone loved raw milk!!!
We started to hand out the new Weston A Price " Breast Milk is Raw Milk Brochure". It was a huge hit. My daughter Kaleigh had created a painted plywood cut out for kids to stand behind and take pictures of that said "Get Raw Milk" and explained raw milk….everyone took a picture behind it.
FDA you suck criminally… and so does Monsanto. If you ever ever attempt to screw with raw milk in CA our consumers make a stand and will make Wounded Knee look like a Sprained Ankle.
Do not mess with delicious safe and clean raw milk in CA or for that matter anyplace else.
If I was the Hartmanns…I would make it a raw milk media circus. In 2006, that is how I got my Grade A permit back….expose the bastards…. call CNN and email and fax the media world…write a desparate press release and make your case. Do not let up the pressure. CDFA did not give us back our Grade A permit prior to OPDC inflicting tremendous pressure and pain on them. I had my Grade A permit back in seven days….
Colorado is ready for its next step. Now that raw milk is all over the place. Now, it is time for RMAC to move to make it a retail legal product. You have earned your right to make that step. Great progress!!! Call for hearings!!
Mark
You are leading us in the right direction.Farmers are responding to what people want.Doing without cheap(subsidized by USDA) GMO grain is a more expensive and unknown way to produce milk ,meat and eggs.There are farmers who understand the problems with GMO grains.Our experience is that GMO grains actually reduce production and health of livestock.Find a farmer who is willing to try going without GMO grain and support that farmer with information and a fair price that covers all of their costs.Become a partner in producing your food.
I miss you too 🙂 Sorry to hear you characterize my past participation as "fighting." It was more about sharing information and gathering information. The mean-spirited people on the blog brought that to an end. But, as a quick update, the good parts were put to good use.
Pip, pip, cheerio.
Galina: the only way to know for sure if a farmer is using GMO feed is to buy organic. Organic farmers will not knowingly use GMOs. Otherwise, you can't make producers feed the way you want, but you can express your interest in how they feed and encourage them to change feeds or go organic.
Keep in mind that if and when they do change, your milk price will probably increase because their milk yield may well drop. Farmers feed the way they do because it's the cheapest and most efficient way.
Thanks again!