This Reuters news feature from Dec 2007 predicted that raw milk would be the number one health-news story of 2008. That’s ahead of other stories like “the end of cheap food”. For those who may not know, Reuters is a news agency — what in the old days would have been called a “wire service” — like Canadian Press, Associated Press and Agence France Press. So, without further ado, here’s an excerpt from Terri Coles’ predictions for the year that’ll be drawing to a close in a little over two months time:
“…If 2007 was the year of the toy recall and mental gymnastics over what we eat, then what will 2008 hold? Raw milk, melting fat, the end of cheap food… the crystal ball is still a little cloudy but here are some of the stories to watch.
1. Raw Milk
People will go to extreme lengths to get it, farmers will risk their businesses to sell it, and most state governments want nothing to do with legalizing it. Raw milk — milk that hasn’t been pasteurized or homogenized — was one of the most talked-about foods of the year.
Its fans say that pasteurization removes proteins, enzymes and healthy bacteria from milk, making it less nutritious, and that the taste of raw milk is incomparable. Those opposed to raw milk consumption — including health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control — argue that the harmful bacteria are of primary concern, and that the dangers posed by E. coli, salmonella and listeria are not worth the risk.
The debate is sure to continue in 2008 as raw milk goes mainstream, governments try to make it unappealing and people find more creative ways to get their hands on it….”
Read more about all the other predicted top health issues for 2008 in the original Reuters story here.
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