‘Blessed are the cheesemakers’ – a phrase made famous by the iconic film, Monty Python’s Life of Brian. It may seem like a humorous line, but for many, it holds a deeper meaning. Cheese has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, and for some, it holds a special place in their hearts. But in the United States, the production and consumption of cheese, specifically raw milk cheese, has been a contentious issue.
As a cheese lover and a public health researcher, I have always been fascinated by the relationship between food and health. And when it comes to raw milk cheese, the debate becomes even more interesting. Raw milk cheese is made from unpasteurized milk, meaning it has not been heated to kill harmful bacteria. In the US, the sale of raw milk cheese is strictly regulated, and it is even illegal in some states. This is due to concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming raw milk products.
Some years ago, I was at a conference in Madison, Wisconsin, also known as “America’s Dairyland.” As a cheese enthusiast, I was excited to try some of the famous local cheeses. But to my surprise, I found out that raw milk cheese was not available for sale. This was my first encounter with the controversial issue of raw milk cheese in the US.
In the first part of this series, we discussed the history of raw milk cheese and its cultural significance. In this article, we will delve deeper into the public health concerns surrounding raw milk cheese and the American exceptionalism that has shaped its regulation.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk cheese. Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious foodborne illnesses. These bacteria can also be present in pasteurized milk, but the heating process kills them, making the milk safer to consume.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have strict guidelines in place for the production and sale of raw milk cheese. However, these regulations have not stopped outbreaks of foodborne illnesses linked to raw milk cheese. In fact, between 2009 and 2017, there were 44 outbreaks of foodborne illnesses associated with raw milk cheese in the US, resulting in over 1,000 reported illnesses and two deaths.
Despite these statistics, there is a growing movement in the US advocating for the legalization of raw milk cheese. Proponents argue that raw milk cheese is more flavorful and nutritious than pasteurized cheese. They also claim that the strict regulations on raw milk cheese are excessive and unnecessary.
This brings us to the concept of American exceptionalism. The term refers to the belief that the US is a unique and exceptional nation, with its own set of values, principles, and laws. This exceptionalism is often used to justify the US’s resistance to international norms and standards, including those related to food safety.
In the case of raw milk cheese, American exceptionalism has played a significant role in shaping its regulation. The US is one of the few developed countries that ban the sale of raw milk cheese. In contrast, countries like France, Italy, and Switzerland have a long tradition of producing and consuming raw milk cheese without significant health concerns.
So why does the US continue to resist the legalization of raw milk cheese? One reason is the strong influence of the dairy industry. The pasteurization process allows for the mass production and distribution of cheese, making it more profitable for dairy companies. The dairy lobby has been successful in convincing the government that raw milk cheese poses a significant risk to public health, and therefore, it should remain illegal.
But there is also a deeper cultural aspect to this issue. The US has a history of fear and mistrust towards government regulations, and this sentiment has been amplified in recent years. Many Americans view government regulations as an infringement on their personal freedom and choice. This mindset is reflected in the debate surrounding raw milk cheese, with proponents arguing that they should have the right to choose what they consume, even if it poses potential health risks.
In conclusion, the issue of raw milk cheese in the US is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, there are legitimate public health concerns regarding the consumption of raw milk products. On the other hand, there is a strong cultural and political resistance to government regulations. As a result, the sale of