 New unpasteurised milk code of practice released |
Trade association Dairy UK will launch a beefed up code of practice for unpasteurised milk producers.
The new code is to include a Haccp analysis of the milk production process.
Last year Dairy UK called for a ban on unpasteurised milk. A spokesperson said that a ban was still the preferred option, but that the new code of practice would ‘help reduce the risks’.
In March the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it was considering a ban on raw milk because of the ‘inherent risk’ of non-pasteurised products.
Raw milk hit the headlines recently after an E. coli support group raised concerns over a raw cow milk vending machine in the Oxford Street branch of Selfridges. Raw milk is also becoming more available to buy over the internet.
An FSA spokesperson said: ‘We welcome the initiatives industry is already taking to support the FSA’s work in the review and the positive approaches by several stakeholder sectors.
‘The FSA is developing plans for a review of the controls governing the sale and marketing of raw drinking milk.
‘Industry and consumer stakeholders with an interest in raw drinking milk will all have an opportunity to contribute to the review. Any proposals and recommendations will be subject to a formal consultation before further advice is provided to the FSA Board.’