Independent lab confirms extremely high coliform bacteria count in raw milk products

VANCOUVER – Independent laboratory results confirm extremely high coliform bacteria counts were found in raw milk products distributed by the Home on the Range dairy in Chilliwack.

Of the six samples taken on December 18, 2009, lab results show coliform counts ranging from 570 cfu/ml (colony forming units per millilitre) to 60 million cfu/ml -- the latter found in raw cream. The tests were performed by Silliker Jr Laboratories of Burnaby.

To put the results in perspective, BC’s maximum allowable coliform bacterial count in pasteurized products, including milk, is 1 cfu/ml. In Washington and California, the maximum allowable coliform bacterial count in raw milk products is 10 cfu/ml.

"These raw milk results confirm the provincial lab’s earlier tests and underline the fact that these products are not safe for consumers," said Medical Health Officer Dr. John Carsley, of Vancouver Coastal Health. "Even the most hygienic dairy cannot produce raw milk that is as safe as pasteurized milk. No one should consume raw milk or products like yogurt and fresh cheese made from raw milk, especially children or people who are immuno-compromised."

Dr. Carsley added that parents armed with the knowledge of these lab results should not risk harming their children by giving them contaminated milk or milk products.

Dr. Perry Kendall, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, said, "It is absolutely vitally important that all British Columbians be aware of the serious health risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk. The bottom line is that people can die from E. coli, and the tragedy is that children are particularly vulnerable to poor outcomes."

There are differing opinions about the health benefits of raw milk; however medical health officers wish to stress that the risk of serious illness from a product contaminated with coliforms far outweighs any perceived health benefit. The sale of raw milk is illegal in Canada because of these known serious health risks.

"The evidence shows pasteurization does not alter the nutritional value of milk, so there is no increased benefit to drinking unpasteurized milk," said Kenton Delisle, Nutrition Educator at the B.C. Dairy Foundation.

On January 5, the BC Centre for Disease Control advised British Columbians to discard any unpasteurized dairy products from the Home on the Range raw dairy in Chilliwack after a number of their products tested positive for coliform bacterial contamination.

High coliform counts indicate a higher risk of a variety of illnesses, from an upset stomach to bloody diarrhea, kidney failure and death.

Pasteurization kills coliform bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter—all of which can cause severe disease in humans.

For more information on unpasteurized milk, visit www.bccdc.ca or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of $2.9 billion in community, hospital and residential care services to over one million people in communities from Richmond through Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Contact

Vancouver Coastal Health
Anna Marie D’Angelo, Senior Media Relations Officer
Tel: 604.708.5340