![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/50000/images/_52934_milk_150.jpg)
![image: [ Raw milk faces a Government ban by the end of the month ]](/olmedia/50000/images/_52934_milk_300.jpg)
Government plans to ban the sale of raw milk have come under attack from campaigners who say consumers should have the right to chose.
The proposals have been put back by three weeks to allow for more industry consultation because of the Christmas break which had made it difficult for farmers to comment.
But protestors cite the proposed ban as another example of the `nanny state' - similar to the beef on the bone ban - and call it an over-reaction that will limit consumer choice.
The ban was first mooted in November after reports to the Ministry of Agriculture from independent scientists suggested that unpasteurised milk was a health risk. Ministers were told that untreated, or `green top' milk, poses a substantial risk of food poisoning.
Extensive government surveys of untreated milk showed up to 40% of samples failed UK hygiene standards.
But farmers claim labels on the bottles already ensure consumers are warned about the risks of drinking raw milk and individuals should be left to make up their own minds.
Sales of raw milk make up just a tiny fraction of the market and are already governed by strict controls.
In some respects the milk is actually healthier than treated milk, because pasteurisation destroys vitamins and minerals, say green top campaigners.
Welsh milk producer, Sir Julian Rose, produces £10,000-worth of green top a year and says demand is increasing.
"Last year alone over a million people were affected by general food poisoning. Milk contributed to less than 0.5% of that. One has to put the whole thing into perspective," he said.
![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/50000/images/_52934_mjack2.jpg)
Shadow Agriculture Minister, Michael Jack, accused the government of "dithering" on the issue.
"The solution to the problem is to make people aware of the risk but leave consumers to decide what to do,' said Mr Jack.
Beef ban 'unworkable'
(30 Jan 98 | UK)
Beef ban comes into force
(16 Dec 97 | UK)
Deadline set for beef ban
(06 Dec 97 | UK)
Ireland acts on new beef bone fears
(05 Dec 97 | World)
UK beef-on-bone ban will follow talks
(04 Dec 97 | UK)
Milk is good for girls
(14 Nov 97 | UK)
Food, Research and Development Centre, Quebec
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Institute of Food Science and Technology (UK): Press release about unpasteurised milk
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food: Ban on raw cows' drinking milk advised
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