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Mom's Morning Out is a public service. This support is offered on Wednesday mornings 10:00 a.m.
For more information contact MMO Facilitator Durena Schoonover.(Durena@mccallwellness.com) Each week we'll post the MMO topics, articles, recipes and other networking information.
Tuesday Nov 4th 2003
Yogurt and Butter Making, 12 most contaminated produce
A few notes for our new yogurt making adventures….
Basic Yogurt Recipe
Bring one quart of milk to the simmer stage and remove from the heat. Stir often to prevent scorching and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Cover and cool until it has reached room temperature or below (may be placed in the refrigerator to hasten cooling). It is important that you allow the temperature to drop sufficiently to below 120* F or you may kill the bacterial culture you are now ready to introduce.
Remove ½ cup of cooled milk and mix (make a paste) with 1 level tablespoon of active cultured unpasteurized yogurt (yogurt made from pasteurized milk is fine, just not pasteurized yogurt). Nancy's Plain Yogurt is fine for starters. We are investigating the best cultures for your yogurt at this time to get the most beneficial bacteria into your system to restore/maintain optimal intestinal flora. We will update you as soon as possible with more detailed information regarding yogurt, kefir, buttermilk and sourcream cultures.
Mix the culture with the remainder of the cooled milk and stir thoroughly.
Pour the milk into a container, cover and let stand for at least 24 hours. The fermentation should not be less than 24 hours. If you forget to remove it after 24 hours, all the better. Consistent heat during the 24 hour fermentation is critical. The temperature must be between 100-110* F before fermentation begins. Too high of a temperature will kill the bacterial culture and will prevent the proper conversion of the lactose. Too low a temperature will prevent the activation of bacterial enzymes and will result in incomplete digestion of lactose. An electric yogurt maker controls the temperature perfectly but the amount you can make at one time is limited. A temperature-regulating electric warming tray is the ideal source of heat. Use a mouth thermometer to set the dial properly. An electric crock pot on low may work, or a crock pot with water with a separate pan of the yogurt culture placed inside if the low setting exceeds 110* F. A heating pad is another option. If you have a gas oven, the pilot light usually keeps the temperature within the correct range. Turning the oven light on (with a 60 watt bulb) should create enough warmth to make the yogurt. As you can see there are many options and a little experimenting will be necessary to arrive at a technique that works for you in your environment. Enjoy the process and come to Mom's Morning Out to share your results and stories!
Allow the yogurt to remain on the heat for at least 24 hours to insure that all lactose is completely digested. Remove from the heat and refrigerate. This yogurt may not be as thick as commercial yogurt but virtually all the lactose has been digested by the bacterial culture and there is not further digestion required by the intestinal cells, and therefore little chance of any intolerance or ill effects.
Check out these websites www.organicconsumers.org and www.foodnews.org/reportcard.php. A new “report card” has been released by the Food News group for the 12 most contaminated produce items and 12 least affected items. Of course, this is a non-issue if you are an organic shopper. What I found the information useful for was to provide an independent, straightforward source for people who care for my kids (i.e. grandparents, other family, and friends who are new to concepts). Print out the report card and talk about it! And as always it's good reminder for myself when I look at the conventional produce and those red peppers look so good…just this once…well this info will reinforce that `just this once' is not worth it for myself and especially my kids.
A reminder that I will be gone Tuesday Nov 11 and Nov 18, but MMO will be happening with some great treats! Milk and cream from St. John's Organic Farm, Sprouted Grain Breads from Deb Campbell and Kristen Eames
REMINDER: Get signed up for the Mind/Body Series beginning Monday Nov. 24!
Tuesday October 7th 2003
Fresh Organic Milk. St. Johns Farm
Raw Milk
Milk and Heart Disease
UNITED STATES laws for milk.
Alabama
Raw milk sales only for animal consumption
Alaska
State regulations are presently being interpreted to permit raw milk distribution by cow share or stewardship programs.
Arizona
Raw milk sales are permitted by state licensing.
Arkansas
Small unlicensed goat farmers may sell up to 100 gallons of raw milk per month.
California
Things are looking very bright in California with the recent vote by the Los Angeles City Council to liberalize raw milk regulations for the County of Los Angeles, a move that allows the sale of raw milk in California once again and greatly expands the market for any raw milk producer in the state. As we predicted, new producers are coming along. Joining our beloved Claravale Dairy with raw milk sales is Organic Pastures of Kerman, California. According to Mark McAfee, managing partner of the 350-cow dairy, the herd is fully grass-fed on a rotational grazing program. McAfee uses a 20-cow portable milking parlor that he designed himself which can be moved from pasture to pasture. This system has resulted in excellent cow health and a fantastic average standard platelet cell count of 1,100. (Pasteurized milk is allowed a platelet count of 3,000.) The herd is mostly Holstein but Jersey cows are being added in.
This is the first time that we can say that RealMilk (unprocessed, full-fat and pasture-fed) is being sold commercially in the US. The milk is available in many stores and the dairy plans to add raw cream, raw butter, yogurt and colostrum to the product line. If your local health food store does not yet carry Organic Pastures milk, contact Organic Pastures at (559) 846-9732 or mark@mcafeefarms.com to discuss the possibilities of providing it.
The enlightened situation in California, where raw milk has been commercially available off and on for many years, is our goal for all states. Any state government official who persists in the inane assertion that the public must be protected from this healthy product needs to be reminded of the California example.
UPDATE 05/10/03: Organic Pastures Dairy has been recently tested by CDFA and no pathogens were found anywhere (all products and over 32 points were swab-tested in the plant)—the cow manure was even tested. UC Davis researchers sampled cow manure and did not find any human pathogens. The researchers attribute the lack of pathogens to the stress-free green pastures and lack of antibiotics given to the cows.
Organic Pastures is perhaps the most tested diary in the USA. They are inspected by the USDA, CCOF ( organic certifier ) CDFA, The Fresno County Department of Health and the California Department of Health Services. All lab test information is posted to the website at www.organicpastures.com
The fresh colostrum produced by Organic Pastures has recently been shipped to Beijing, China to assist in the fight against SARS. Fresh raw colostrum contains the antibodies for bovine coronovirus and many other antibodies that help build immunity. Bovine coronovirus has been found in the SARS complex. Organic Pastures colostrum is now going international in the effort to keep people healthy.
Colorado
Grade A licence needed to sell milk. Illegal to sell raw milk. However, raw milk is available from Guidestone CSA in Loveland through a state-approved cow share program.
Guidestone Farm was given clearance to operate a cow-share program by the Colorado health department in 1994. For eight years, they have operated quietly, without any problems, providing raw milk to more than 150 families. Now other farmers are becoming interested in doing cow-share programs—more and more people want access to raw milk—so naturally the state is trying to shut the program down. In a letter dated February 27, 2003, Dan Trimberger of the Consumer Protection Division announced proposed regulatory chances that would make cow-share programs illegal.
State officials recently met with consumers to discuss the proposed changes—and were unprepared for the quality of the testimony they heard. Consumers argued for their right to freedom of choice, health professionals delineated the health benefits of raw milk, and two lawyers—one for Guidestone and one for the Colorado Farmers’ Union—pointed out that legislation against cow share programs would be unconstitutional. Officials left the meeting with their tails between their legs, stating that the current law would stand until further deliberations.
Connecticut
Raw milk drinkers got a scare when a bill was introduced in the Environment Committee that would have outlawed not only the sale of raw milk, but would also have banned giving it away. The bill’s sponsors argued that the bill was needed because “if anyone got sick drinking raw milk, it would give all milk sold in the State of Connecticut a bad name,” rather incredible logic since no one in the state has ever gotten sick because of raw milk. Dairy farmer Deb Taylor rounded up her customers and met with committee members, explaining in friendly terms the importance of raw milk sales for her livelihood and for their health. Many committee members were sympathetic and the bill died in committee. This shows the importance of well-organized, nonconfrontational lobbying efforts in support of raw milk sales.
Delaware
Illegal to sell raw milk.
Florida
Illegal to sell raw milk but cow-share programs are being set up.
Georgia
Raw milk is only available from farms licensed under animal feed laws, for animal consumption only.
Hawaii
Illegal to sell raw milk
Idaho
Sale of raw milk is legal with a licence. However, there are currently no licensed raw milk facilities in the state. The last raw milk retailer went out of business in the early 1990s.
Illinois
According to the IL Grade A Pasteurized Milk and Milk Products Act, effective 1/1/02, Sec. 8: "...The pasteurization requirement of this Section shall not be applicable to milk produced in accordance with Department rules and regulations if sold or distributed on the premises of the dairy farm." This means that raw milk may be sold on the dairy farm.
Indiana
Raw milk available from the farm “for pet consumption only.” A group of farmers and consumers is working on the liberalization of raw milk sales in Indiana. If you would like to help, contact Steve Bonney at sustainableearth.steve@verizon.net or (765) 463-9366.
Iowa
Illegal to sell raw milk
Kansas
Raw milk may be purchased from the farm.
Kentucky
You may purchase raw goat milk with a written prescription from a licensed medical doctor. The dairy must meet Grade A requirements and the doctor’s statement must be kept on file for one year with a copy sent to the state
Louisiana
Illegal to sell raw milk
Maine
Raw milk sales permitted. The milk producer must have a permit and the milk distributor must be licensed. Raw milk must be cooled to 45 degrees F immediately after milking and maintained with low bacteria count. Cows must also have negative brucellosis and tuberculin tests. The regs are contained in 01-001 Chapters 321, 329.
Maryland
Illegal to sell raw milk. Cow-share programs are greatly needed in this state. Spiritual Food for the New Millennium, based in Bethesda, Maryland, is spearheading an effort to set up a farm-share program based on the Wisconsin model. They are working with a biodynamic farmer in the Eastern Shore and with Edgar J. Asebey, a lawyer with experience in environmental and regulatory law. Tim Wightman will be helping them with technical advice. What’s needed is help with the financing. This is a key program and one that could really expand the Campaign for Real Milk. If you are interested in helping, contact Edgar at (240) 354-6870 or E_asebey@earthlink.net .
Massachusetts
Raw milk is allowable for sale at the farm at the state level, but prohibited by certain towns. There are 351 towns in the state of which 155 permit raw milk sales. Up to five gallons a day of raw milk may be sold on a farm without a license.
State law allows the sale of raw milk, but local regulations determine whether raw milk is available in a particular township. That’s why the availability of raw milk in Massachusetts varies from district to district. Cyndy Gray is spearheading an effort to set up a cow share program—the Contented Cow Co-op—in a district of Massachusetts, where local laws are restrictive. One family has volunteered to make available their historic dairy farm. Purchase of cows and equipment will be necessary. If you would like to help, contact Cyndy at graylink@adelphia.net .
In Hardwick, Massachusetts (about the middle of the state), Regina Robinson is in the planning phases of a cow share program using restored pasture rented from her dad, a conventional dairy farmer. She needs both moral support and financial help. She can be contacted at mootopian@yahoo.com or (413) 477-0011.
Michigan
Michigan was the first state to pass mandatory pasteurization laws—the year was 1948—and has some of the strictest milk laws on the books. Farmers may not even sell raw milk from the farm. At recent hearings on the revision of the Michigan State Dairy Code, the industry attempted to amend the code to make it illegal for family members and workers on dairy farms to even drink raw milk. This plan was fortunately dropped, due to the efforts of dairy farmer Chuck Oliver and members of the local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Although legislation dealing with cow-share programs was not specifically included in the new dairy regulations, some believe that the regs can be interpreted to allow them, and Oliver has informed the State of Michigan that he is going ahead with such a program. Working with Lisa Wesala of the Detroit chapter who hosted a meeting on raw milk that attracted almost 50 people, a lively cow-share program has been initiated, with Oliver getting 2-3 calls per week from new families wanting to sign up. For further information, contact Lisa at (248) 828-8494.
UPDATE 04/27/03: Although not technically allowed under current dairy regulations, a cow share program operated by Chuck and Debbie Oliver serving the greater metropolitan Detroit area is thriving. Currently providing unprocessed milk and cream to approximately 200 participants, the Olivers are signing up new customers weekly.
Interest is growing in other parts of the state, especially as farmers recognize that cow share programs are a way to overcome the downward income spiral of dairy farmers caught in the contract system. New programs may be starting in the Grand Rapids and Lansing areas, as well as another north of Traverse city. These farmers will need strong consumer support.
At the same time, the Detroit chapter is working with legislators to change existing regulations to include cow share programs. To support this endeavor, please contact Peggy Beals at (734) 457-0406 or peggybeals@aaahawk.com .
Minnesota
The constitution of Minnesota stipulates that "A farmer may sell the products of his farm or garden without a permit." Thus farmers may sell raw milk in the state of Minnesota.
Mississippi
The only raw milk that is permitted for sale in Mississippi is from small unlicensed goat farms. They are allowed to milk nine goats or less and sell the raw milk on premise.
Missouri
Missouri state law allows unlicensed sale of raw milk and cream direct from the producer to the consumer. However, the state milk board disagrees and tells all who enquire that it is not legal to sell raw milk without a license in MO. Section 261.210 of the Missouri Revised Statues clearly states "an individual may purchase and have delivered to him for his own use raw milk or cream from a farm."
Montana
Illegal to sell raw milk and “home pasteurizers do not qualifiy as legal pasteurization methods,” according to Rosemary Hinkey, State Milk Inspector
Nebraska
It is not illegal to sell raw milk as long as it is for personal use and not resold.
Nevada
Raw milk sales are permitted.
New Hampshire
Raw milk may be purchased from the farm. A farmer can sell raw milk if the customer supplies the bottle. Many herds are grass-fed during the warm months. Several biodynamic farms are supplying high quality dairy products.
New Jersey
Governor James E. McGreevey has told Charles Kuperus, New Jersey’s new head of the Department of Agriculture, that his job is to “Preserve our farms, fight for our farmers and ensure that our agricultural industry is profitable and strong, innovative and poised for a bright future.” Strict pasteurization laws instituted in the early 1950s have made the thriving small dairy farms of New Jersey a thing of the past but Elizabeth Murphy of the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation wants to get some cow-share programs going and help the governor fulfill his plan of reviving agriculture in the state. If you would like to get involved, contact Elizabeth Murphy at (973) 691-5540, x 2, NNJ-WAPF@beithe.com. NNJ-WAPF, P.O. Box 277, Stanhope, NJ 07874-0277.
New Mexico
New Mexico laws allow raw milk to be sold in stores, but unfortunately in northern NM there are no longer any stores selling raw cow's milk, or dairies producing it. Raw goat's milk from Sweetwoods Dairy can be purchased at the Santa Fe farmers' market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
New York
To sell in NY you must have a permit, sell just at the farm and post a warning sign in your milk room, in addition to enduring extra inspections. Raw milk may be purchased from Hawthorne Valley store in the Hudson Valley. Cornell University is very biased against raw milk so let them know what you think!
UPDATE 04/27/03: We have a late-breaking report from Hawthorne Valley Dairy in the Hudson Valley, which sells raw milk through their farm store. State officials have shut down raw milk sales over the issue of Staphylococcus aureus, a potentially pathogenic organism, in the milk. Although no one has gotten sick and no one has complained, officials want to set the accepted level at zero. The dairy will be arguing for a count of 500, which is the European standard for on-farm sales. This is clearly an attempt by the state to shut down raw milk sales in New York. Hawthorne Valley and other raw milk sellers will need dedicated consumer support to force the state to set a reasonable standard.
North Carolina
Milk sales from the farm for animal use only.
North Dakota
Legal to sell raw milk as pet food. The ND Dairy Commission has no control over milk sold for animal consumption.
Ohio
For years, the only dairy selling raw milk in Ohio has been Young’s dairy—grandfathered in when legislation to abolish raw milk sales was passed in 1956. But after 50 years without a single problem, the dairy has decided to close down the raw milk operation and sell only pasteurized milk. The reason: a recent outbreak of 47 salmonella cases, 16 of whom worked at the dairy, from a strain that originated elsewhere in the state. And while state officials have been unable to positively attribute the problem to Young’s, the dairy has given in to pressure.
The outbreak and subsequent decision by the dairy came just a week after the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation voted to support an effort aimed at permitting more people to sell raw milk. The majority of the more than 400 delegates to the group’s annual meetings, all active or retired farmers from across the state, said that anyone who wants to should be given a licence to sell raw milk. Then came the incident at Young’s Dairy. Coincidence? We think not.
But the decision by Young’s could actually be a boon to other farmers in the state who want to set up cow-share or farm-share programs. Laurie Smith of Cridersville is trying to put something together. She can be contacted at wonders@wcoil.com.
Oklahoma
Raw milk sales allowed at the farm. Customer must provide own container.
We have recently learned of Swan Brothers Dairy in Claremore, Oklahoma. They sell raw milk, cream and cheese from pastured animals. Their website is www.tiawah.com/swandairy.htm.
Oregon
Direct sales of a limited amount of raw milk allowed. (The amount is based on the number of animals at the farm.)
Pennsylvania
Raw milk may be purchased at the farm. Many herds are grass fed.
We received the following letter from Bobby McLean, in response to concerns regarding the sale of raw milk in Pennsylvania:
July 7, 2003
This letter is written in response to your concerns regarding the sale of raw milk in Pennsylvania.
Based on correspondence received, there appears to be considerable misinformation and concern over the raw milk issue. I will attempt to address these concerns in this letter. It is important to note there are no current or planned actions by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that will remove a dairy farmer’s right to sell raw milk or a consumer’s right to buy raw milk. However, all producers must have a permit from the Department and must follow the requirements of the permit. Further, the Department has no knowledge of any pending legislation to eliminate the sale of raw milk in Pennsylvania.
The sale of raw milk in Pennsylvania is permitted under the Pennsylvania Milk Sanitation Law (31 P.S. Sec. 645 et. seq) (“Act”). This law is intended to safeguard human health and safety by providing for the issuance of permits to, and regulation of persons and entities selling milk and milk products. The Act (at 31 P.S. Sec. 646) states: “no person shall sell milk, milk product or manufactured dairy products within this Commonwealth without first having obtained a permit from the Secretary”.
Another issue that many have raised relates to the sale of raw milk products. The law prohibits the sale of raw milk products except aged hard cheese which is cured at temperatures of not less that 35 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 60 days.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Jim Dell, Chief, Division of Milk Sanitation, at 717-787-4316. Your concerns are understood and we want to work together to help insure that milk and milk products sold in Pennsylvania are safe and wholesome.
Sincerely,
Bobby McLean
Rhode Island
You may purchase raw goat milk with a written perscription from a licensed medical doctor.
South Carolina
In-state producers and distributors may sell raw milk
South Dakota
Raw-milk sales are only on-farm directly to the consumer.
Tennessee
We have a disturbing letter from Jenny Drake of Peaceful Pastures, a longtime advertiser in Wise Traditions. On March 7, one USDA and two state Department of Agriculture representatives arrived on her farm unannounced. Their sole intent appeared to be shutting down every operation that they have. Some highlights:
Because they sell “people” food for pets, the inspectors claimed the Drakes are not in compliance with labeling laws for pet food and say they will require nutritional analysis and additional labeling for every package of pet food. Although the agency had earlier told them they could sell raw dairy for animal consumption, they now say they cannot. Furthermore, they will be levying a fine for past sales.
The USDA, with whom they had consulted regarding their on-farm and legal chicken processing, now questions their legality and compliance.
The agents even took a label from soap made on the farm to question its merits. (Soap is regulated by FDA, not USDA.)
The inspectors also visited the establishment where the Drakes purchase dry ice and inquired about their business with them.
This is clearly a case of unjustified harassment and the Drakes need your support. They have attorneys on retainer. Contact Jenny at (615) 683-4291, peacepast@aol.com. Help with attorney fees would be very welcome.
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To date, we have 2 state representatives working to introduce new legislation this session to change the law in TN to allow farmers to sell their own produce directly to the public. We are going to have a "listening session" in November to educate all farmer-friendly legislators on the raw milk issue and farmer's rights issues in general. Jenny Drake of Peaceful Pastures will be there to share her expertise on the issue and a couple of veterinarians who are knowledgeable on the issue and who support raw dairy sales will be there to speak as well. Our legislators plan to invite other representatives to the session, including house members, senators, and committee chairmen, in an effort to gain support for the measure. Hopefully this will get the ball rolling in a big way.
What you can do to help:
If you live in TN, contact the legislators for your district, both house and senate members, and tell them you support the small farmer's right to sell the products of his own farm directly to the public. Let them know that you want to be able to purchase produce, all produce including dairy, poultry, and beef directly from the farmer. You could call or fax them. Believe me, they listen to you. For a listing of your representatives, click www.legislature.state.tn.us. This will take you to the TN General Assembly web site where you can choose Senate or House, and then choose "Members" and then choose the "Clickable Image Map." Once you do that, you can click on your district to see who is your representative. THANKS! We need everyone to do all that they can to get this measure passed.
UPDATE 04/27/03: Shawn Dady is working with legislatures to make raw milk legal in the state. At a recent meeting, the health departemnt brought in an “expert” from the University of Tennessee who described the diseases that could be carried in raw milk. As a fall back position, the committee is now looking into the legality of cow share programs—which are already being set up inTennessee. For further information contact Shawn at (615) 661-7699 or visit www.tennesseansforrawmilk.com.
Texas
You may sell raw milk and raw milk products for human consumption from the farm only and only if you obtain a Grade A "Raw for Retail License" from the Texas Health Department. There are a few Grade A Raw for Retail goat milk dairies in the state but no cow milk dairies. Even with a Grade A for Raw license, sales may only be made to the end consumer at the farm. No distribution of raw milk is allowed. No advertising of raw milk is allowed. Raw milk for pet consumption is controlled through the Texas Animal Health Commission. A license is also needed and a black food colorant must be added to the milk which turns it a blue color.
Fall 2002—White Egret Farm (WEF) has been supplying grade A raw goat milk, raw milk cheeses, goat yogurts, and natural beef, pork, goat and turkey from its location in Austin, Texas to health conscious consumers and babies with wise parents since 1992. In August of 2000 the farm was raided by inspectors from three divisions of the Texas Department of Health (TDH). The inspectors alleged that the farm was in violation of more than forty different health and safety violations, and further that it had deceived the public with the language on its website. Biologist/owner, Lee Dexter defended the practice of selling raw milk by overwhelming the Attorney General’s Office with more than 2,500 pages of scientific literature relating to the safety and efficacy of raw goat milk and raw milk cheeses. In the aftermath, the TDH engaged in a flurry of dirty tricks. Inspectors detained the farm’s products in multiple locations and “paid visits” to its customers and processors. The TDH strategy culminated in the issuing of an Emergency Order prohibiting the sale of the farm’s cheeses in late 2001. Simultaneously, the TDH published an extremely damaging press release, which was widely distributed. The farm did get its day in court. After hearing two days of testimony in December 2001, Administrative Law Judge, Cathleen Parsley, issued a Proposal for Decision lifting the Emergency Order. The judge stated that the Emergency Order had “pummeled Ms. Dexter’s business, and, as it turns out, with little legal justification to do so.” She also stated that the Department had held the farm liable for violations against regulations that were not yet in effect, did not prohibit the activity cited, were not applicable, or did not say what the TDH interpreted them to say. She concluded that the TDH failed to show how the alleged misconduct posed a threat to human health. In more recent court settings, WEF has defended its right to sell its products directly to the consumer. The outcome of these cases may have far-reaching implications for the rights of both consumers and producers of raw milk products in other states.
Utah
Raw milk may be purchased from the farm. There is still one dairy selling raw milk, but they have recently been subjected to harassment by the state health department. Tyler Carver is working on setting up a “farm share” program in Utah. He has located a willing farmer and tapped into plenty of interest. For more information, or to lend him a helping hand, contact Tyler at raw@xfreshly.com or (801) 366-0472.
Vermont
Small quantities of raw milk may be sold on the farm. Many herds are pasture-fed.
Virginia
Illegal to sell raw milk. Dairy inspectors are particularly zealous in the state of Virginia. However, cow-shares are available through the Herndon Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Washington
Only grade A dairies may sell raw milk and the last time a dairy became certified to sell raw milk dairy was in the 1920s. Today, there is only one legal source of raw milk sales, a Benedictine Nunnery on Shaw Island. However, many cow-share programs are underway and raw milk is widely available.
West Virginia
Illegal to sell raw milk, but many people manage to find it anyway.
Wisconsin
The Milk Direct program is the brainchild of Tim Wightman and Gleta Martin of Clearview Acres farm in Hayward, Wisconsin. Working with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Tim and Gleta set up a cow-share program that had been pioneered by another farmer in the state. However, Tim and Gleta were not satisfied with the two-page contract that DATCP suggested, finding that it did not provide enough provisions for testing and safety. Tim revised the contract to allow for greater safety provisions and their program was soon supplying milk to 300 individuals.
As reported in Wise Traditions, on September 24, Clearview Acres received a complaint from the state of Wisconsin stating that the provision of raw milk to cow-share owners posed “an imminent public health hazard, ” singling out Clearview Acres as the culprit in a local campylobacter outbreak even though only two of the four confirmed cases drank Clearview Acres raw milk, and Clearview Acres milk consistently tested negative for the disease. The outbreak followed on Thanksgiving which means that consumption of underdone turkey was the likely cause—72 percent of turkey is infected with campylobacter.
When Clearview Acres counsel requested documents from DATCP, including any lab tests indicating campylobacter contamination, the state stalled. Finally, on March 18, the department released several inches of documents. No lab tests for camphylobacter were included in the documents. (Tim and Gleta suspect that no tests were actually done.)
The documents indicated that DATCP had encouraged several farmers in the state to set up cow-share programs expecting someone to get sick from raw milk so they could shut the whole program down. Tim’s insistence on safety protocols defeated this plan. As Tim and Gleta went ahead with their program, the state sent a spy to buy a cow share and pick up milk weekly. The released documents reveal that the milk was tested for over a year for the presence of listeria and salmonella and that DATCP complained when the tests turned out negative. Then the state tried to take away Gleta’s Grade A permit, but was stymied for lack of jurisdiction. Finally, DATCP blamed Clearview Acres milk on the local campylobacter outbreak and sent the cease-and-desist order.
So basically the Wisconsin agency responsible for food safety has been caught deliberately promoting raw milk sales with improper safety protocols in an attempt to cause an outbreak of illness. Tim and Gleta are continuing to defend themselves in administrative proceedings. They expect the case to end up in civil court and result in complete exoneration. After that they will sue the state for harassment and lost income. They have had very positive media coverage in the local press, which has published convincing arguments to counter DATCP’s deliberate disinformation campaign (including an article entitled “Raw Milk Should Not Be Considered Health Food”) but negative press in the major papers. Meanwhile, about 1100 individuals in the State of Wisconsin are consuming raw milk available through other cow-share programs—with plenty of reports of improved health and none of food-borne illness.
UPDATE 04/27/03: We have reported on the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) efforts to prohibit cow sharing programs they once endorsed. However, during court proceedings Judge Cheryl Daniels acknowledged that bona fide owners of a milk producer license may consume raw milk directly from the farm. With financial help from the Weston A. Price Foundation, a model corporation has been set up at Clearview Acres in Hayward, Wisconsin. Those desiring raw milk can become nonvoting members of a corporation holding a Grade A licence or the dairy operation of a farm. The language of this corporation will be made available to farmers throughout the country for a modest fee and then can be tailored to the particular state. The completion of these documents has generated intense interest and we are hopeful that this model will be used to bring dairy farmers and raw milk consumers together in many states. To purchase this language, as well as a handbook on raw milk safety, contact Tim Wightman at (715) 462-3076.
Wyoming
Illegal to sell raw milk.
AUSTRALIA
Mr. Bruce Bell, a lawyer in Queensland, Australia who is defending a dairy farmer selling raw milk as pet food, has provided us with the following report:
Briefly, only one state in Australia (South Australia) currently has a regulatory regime permitting sale of unpasteurized milk for human consumption. In the state of Queensland, one can legally sell goats milk only, unpasteurized. It would only take a regulation change to widen that to include bovine milk and the national standards allow for a state to permit unpasteurized supply if the state wishes to, but the big processors and public assumptions about the myths of pasteurization being true create strong opposition. We can only conjecture about how much influence big money may have in the harassment my client has endured and the legal absurdities the court has laid claim to as detailed below. (I am, by the way, a long term civil libertarian and a commercial consultant completing a law degree this year, and aware of the nutritional deficits of the quasi foods the transnational corporations find it convenient to market.)
When our dairy industry was recently “de-regulated,” the big processors stopped paying farmers 59 cents a litre, instead paying 30 cents (less a levy to subsidize the impact of many going broke). My client started marketing his Jersey milk (4.8 percent butterfat when the minimum is 3.3 percent) directly to health food stores as “Pet’s Milk.” A great many nutritionally aware people started buying it in large quantities and the cash flow reached a level that would allow saving this third generation family dairy farm.
Our state “Queensland Dairy Authority” then tried to entrap the farmer for supplying unpasteurized milk for human consumption but failed. They sent a “plant,” an inspector posing as a new health shop proprietor, to the farm and he was given some milk as a sample. He secretly tape recorded my farmer client saying pasteurization was bad for food values for people as well as animals. Then, on the basis that the milk laws here define “sell” as “including giving away as a promotion,” they charged him with “selling” his clearly labelled pet milk for human consumption in an unpasteurized state.
Their cooked up “evidence” was inadmissible in court, so after they made him spend thousands on lawyers, they withdrew their action the day of the court hearing, at which time they agreed to sign a deed committing them to not harassing him any further, an agreement the Authority later refused to sign and reneged on when they thought their legislation enabled them to “condemn” any milk product as “not fit for human consumption,” including, it seems, casein-based glue. We pointed this out to the supreme court as an example of the kind of absurdity requiring a court to not interpret the law that way. A proper interpretation of the law would have it that such powers can only be used in relation to milk “intended for sale for human consumption.”
Acting as zealots in protecting the poor gullible public from inadvertently drinking “dangerous” pet food, even when it is clearly labelled and none of their (legitimate) business, inspectors are now intimidating retailers. They are calling on the health food stores selling (our) “Pet’s Organic Fresh Milk” product. Although it is labelled “not for human consumption—animal food only” and there is no control under law here of (non meat) pet food, inspectors are buying retail samples of our milk when it is close to its 12-day-old recommended “Use By Date,” getting it tested and then, on their return visit to the retailer, reporting the product fails the lawful standards, is unsafe or even “dangerous” and it is implied the retailers may get fined or worse for selling it.
The national testing standard applicable to human consumption of milk which they are using bluntly states “Retail samples may not be used.” The testing regime for unpasteurized milk (where states allow that to be sold for people) provides that only fresh milk, taken from the dairy may be used and the testing must be done on a “reasonable” basis. So, apart from the fact it is an inapplicable test, they are using prohibited methodology. Only one-day-old milk may be tested at the processors under this test but they regard testing ten-day-old unpasteurized milk for bacterial levels as “reasonable,” it seems. They do not, of course, engage in testing retail samples of processed milk (which normally has a Use-By Date of up to 20 days), to compare.
The inspectors calling on the retailers are also telling them the Pet’s Milk product caused a cryptosporidium outbreak (5 cases) in people in the local area last year which they characterize as an epidemic, and therefore dangerous to people. There is no evidence to support that claim whatever. We investigated and found it was one illogical parent (all cases were siblings exposed to pets and other vectors of infection) who assumed it was the milk despite the fact that, from a batch of over 1000 liters supplied to shops on any one day, no one else contracted the disease from the milk, meaning it clearly was not the vector of infection. That, however, did not stop the Health Department putting out a press release almost saying it was. One resultant news article opened with the words “Dangerous milk” (is responsible, etc.) which dropped sales volume by two thirds. Litigation in regard to that defamation is under consideration.
We thought the health department’s files might contain data showing no science behind the press release, so we requested the files under Freedom of Information. As a ferocious impediment to disclosure, recent FOI amendments now allow for collection of very high fees, payable in advance for disclosure. We were told we had to pay $1,100 to get the documents which would take 49 chargeable hours to locate and collate. Their legal officer admitted to me (and I later swore an affidavit verifying) that she had already collated the documents in 8 hours. They did, however, have to admit in their letter advising of the prospective charges that they held 524 pages of documents on a dairy farmer with whom they had never had dealings.
Instead of paying, we commenced an action in the state Supreme Court for Judicial Review and injunctions against the Dairy Authority and subpoenaed the Health Department documents. They tried to refuse to comply, but under pressure from us, delivered to the court 292 pages of documents which they said were (all of) “the same documents” as requested under FOI. They also claimed legal privilege over 37 of those pages. We were ready to draw to the court’s attention that 524 pages and 292 pages of “the same documents” cannot add up but our action was dismissed at a Directions hearing.
Despite clear case law showing various valid claims in our case and illegitimate testing producing a nullity as a result, the particular judge found that a written threat to condemn my client’s milk in the hands of his retailers if he was still selling it by December 4th, was not a “decision” which the court could review, because it was not a decision of a “substantial nature affecting my client’s interests.” To dismiss our application, the court also had to find that the testing methods used by the Dairy Authority (described above) were perfectly valid, so the judge did find that to be so. Interestingly, in their evidence, the Dairy Authority stated that their campaign was motivated by complaints from three named large milk processors that our product was placed alongside theirs in the shops and selling too well for their liking.
We are considering all options presently, except giving up. One thing we will do in any event is set up a farmer-consumer direct supply arrangement (cow-share) and network to create a pure food lobby. The state food standards are under review this year. The meat and dairy authorities are being combined into one and we suspect pet foods may be heavily regulated under the new standards if we don’t lobby hard.
Check out his Cow Share Agreement. (Microsoft Word document)
UPDATE from Sally Fallon, 04/27/03: On my recent trip to Australia, I found a lively interest in raw milk. Availability varies depending on the state—Australians should contact their local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundations (to date, there are nine in Australia) to find out whether raw milk is available locally.
In Brisbane, Farmer Pat McCarthy has set up a successful cow share program. His milk, cream and beautiful yellow butter can be obtained at the weekly Brisbane farmers market.
A Real Milk Alliance in Queensland is working with lawyer Ron Sinclair to make changes to existing regulations to allow the sale of raw cows milk in health food stores, similar to existing sales of raw goats milk. If you would like to get involved, contact Don MacFarlane at (07) 5467-1411 or biofarmtours@optusnet.com.au . Check out the website http://www.angelfire.com/folk/realmilkalliance.
While in Queensland, I was updated on the activities of a dairy in Goomboorian. They had been selling raw milk from their Jersey herd as “pet milk” in local health food stores. When the health department told them to desist, they came up with a better idea. They now sell Cleopatra’s Bath Milk as a “Cosmetic Skin Treatment.” The label states: “As it is presently unlawful in Queensland to supply pure, unprocessed dairy products as food, it is important your body is able to absorb the vitamins and enzymes only available in raw milk, this can be done by bathing in it. Please tell your member of Parliament what you think.” Sales of Cleopatra’s Bath Milk are brisk!
CANADA
Information on raw milk through a cow-share program is available through Consumer Health of Canada (416-490-0986). Gordon Watson is trying to get something going in British Columbia. He can be contacted at nuncio@canada.com . James McLaren is working to change the law in Ontario to permit raw milk sales. See www.raw-milk.com. Virginia Salares and James McLaren are working to change pasteurization legislation in Ontario. See their website at www.raw-milk.com or email at info@raw-milk.com .
GERMANY
One of our German translators, Helmut Rein, obtained two publication from the Federal Ministry, provided by Herr Rolf Meyer, Referat 423, Rochusstrasse 1, 53123 Bonn. E-mail: poststelle@bmvel.bund.de.
The first, called "Bundesministerium für Verbraucherschutz, Ernaehrung und Landwirtschaft," says that raw milk is available directly from some producers/farmers, and officially it is called "ab-Hof-Abgabe" (something like "sales by farmer"). It means that any farmer is allowed to drink its own milk as raw milk, and to sell it directly to any final user if he wishes. There is also a way of marketing raw milk through the commerce, and then it is called "Vorzugsmilch" (something like "preference milk").
The second, a leaflet called "Milch und Milcherzeugnisse" issued by "Auswertungs- und Informationsdienst für Ernaehrung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten (aid) e.V." offers the following explanations on page 14:
"Rohmilch ist weder erhitzt noch molkereimaessig bearbeitet. Sie darf wegen der eventuell vorhandenen krankheitserregenden Mikroorganismen nur unter besonderen Bedingungen direkt vom Erzeuger auf seinem Hof als "Milch-ab-Hof" abgegeben werden. An der Abgabestelle muss der Hinweis angebracht sein: "Rohmilch, vor dem Verzehr abkochen".
And: "Vorzugsmilch ist eine amtlich besonders ueberwachte Milchsorte , die in ihrer natuerlichen Beschaffenheit mit unveraendertem Fettgehalt roh (nicht erhitzt) in den Verkehr gebracht wird. Deshalb sind die Anforderungen an den Gesundheitszustand der Kuehe, an die laufende Hygiene-Ueberpruefung und an die Beschaffenheit der Milch, an Behandlung, Verpackung und Befoerderung besonders streng. Der Geundheitszustand des Personals wird ebenfalls ueberwacht".
And after that, an extensive explanation follows regarding health risks when drinking raw milk because of possible EHEC-infections (Enterohaemorragisches Escherichia-Coli-Bakterium) and how to avoid these risks by heating the milk for at least 10 minutes at 68 degrees Centigrade.
This makes clear why it is difficult to find farmers who sell raw milk to end users. They are much more supervised than others who pass all their milk to the professional processors who take care of hygiene questions in their industrial plants.
NEW ZEALAND
In Auckland area, contact Huckleberry Farms Natural Foods Store for info about raw goat milk. If you are interested in a cow share program, contact our new local chapter Alison Ellett at (09) 420-8548 or ellett@xtra.co.nz
NICARAGUA
We received the following message by email from Christain Masis in Nicaragua ( masis@gate.net ). “We have a small dairy farm and use the milk to make a product which is very popular in our county and the Nicaraguan community loves it. We have been selling this product for about 12 years. . . We make it from raw milk by adding a small amount of culture. . . We call it lecheagria, which means sour milk. People say that it is very healthy for diabetics, for liver disease, for almost for every thing. . .We are having the problem that the owners of the grocery sores where we sell the product are asking us for labels on the containers, because the USDA inspectors ask them for a label in order to not make them throw the product into the garbage. It seems that the inspectors know that it is made from raw milk. We are thinking of pasteurizing the milk but the customers say that if we do it, they are going to stop buying the products, because it is going to lose the properties it has. What can we do? This is what we do for a living.” We have advised them to get their customers to protest, or to organize some kind of direct sale program.
UNITED KINGDOM
GREAT BRITAIN
A Campaign for Real Milk in England has successfully fought off government attempts to ban all sales of raw milk. In England and Wales, raw or "green top" milk is only allowed to be sold from designated farms. Most counties have only a small handful of such farms but there is a hot spot inYorkshire. For further information contact Richard Copus at richard@copus.fsbusiness.co.uk .
WALES
Welsh officials are proposing a ban on the sale of raw milk (called green top milk) in Wales, apparently because the increase in raw milk sales is eating into the profits of the industry. In fact, green top milk is fast becoming a niche market and giving some financial relief to beleaguered British farmers. Richard Copus, who together with Sir Julian Rose helped prevent a raw milk ban in Britain, is working to oppose the measure. At least 11 green top farmers in Wales would be affected. Richard is hopeful that a compromise could be reached that would require labeling but still allow the sale of raw milk. He has pointed out to Welsh officials that a ban in Wales would simply mean that consumers would buy from British farmers and smuggle milk over the border. Our UK members are urged to contact Richard and provide him with support at (01364) 631-212, richard@copus.fsbusiness.co.uk .
UPDATE 06/05/03: In February 2003, following a review of controls on the sale of raw milk and raw cream, the Welsh Food Standards Agency issued a press release stating that Welsh Assembly Government Health and Social Services Minister Jane Hutt has decided that the sale of raw milk and cream in Wales will be allowed to continue, but a voluntary change to raw milk labelling in Wales is to be introduced. The Agency will encourage producers to change the labelling on their product to give a stronger warning of the potential risks to health associated with raw milk consumption.
The review, recommended by the Agency's Advisory Committee for Wales (ACW), included public consultation on whether sales of unpasteurised milk and cream should continue as they are, continue with better labelling, or whether the products should be banned altogether on health grounds. The ACW believed more specific warnings struck the most appropriate balance by helping the consumer to make an informed choice about consuming raw milk or cream. The Food Standards Agency Wales will be contacting producers to gauge their reaction to a voluntary change to labelling.
Tuesday October 1st 2003
Flax: Nature's Natural Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Flax seed oil and women's health go together. Not only are the constituents found in flax oil, especially alpha-linolenic acid and lignans, protective against heart disease, they also reduce risk of women's cancers. And with flax there are no troubling side effects.
This news is especially important in light of increasing concern among medical doctors that standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may actually increase mature women's heart disease and breast cancer risks. Flax oil, on the other hand has been found to be a natural food that trumps HRT for two of it's best-known alleged protective benefits.
Bad News for ERT
Researchers reporting in the Journal of the American Medical Association note that findings from the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study suggest that among women with clinically recognized heart disease (including high blood pressure), hormone replacement therapy may be associated with early harm and late benefit in terms of coronary events.
What's more, ERT has bombed out as a pathway for reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease among women. And ERT's troubling link with breast besides other cancers is becoming more clearly recognized by the medical community. Finally, the combination of estrogen and progestins prescribed for women with uteruses (to mitigate the carcinogenic effect of unopposed estrogen on the uterus) is even more dangerous when it comes to breast cancer and less protective against heart disease.
Good News for Flax
Organic flaxseed oil awareness could not have come at a more promising moment in women's health. Just when so many health-conscious women have been let down by the disappointing news surrounding ERT, organic lignan flaxseed oil offers the many benefits of fiber plus all of the benefits of flaxseed, including high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans.
Flax and Heart Disease
The evidence that flax protects against heart disease is clear-cut. Experimental studies in laboratory animals and humans suggest that the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (found in high amounts in flax) may reduce the risk of arrhythmia. Thus, researchers from the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, prospectively studied the association between dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid and risk of fatal heart disease among 76,283 women without previously diagnosed heart disease.* During 10 years of follow-up, they documented 232 cases of fatal heart disease and 597 cases of nonfatal heart attacks. After adjusting for standard heart disease risk factors, a higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid was associated with a lower relative risk of fatal heart disease. There was a 45 percent reduction of such incidences among women with the highest intakes of alpha-linolenic acid. For nonfatal heart attacks, there was a modest trend toward reduced risk. The researchers concluded, "A higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid is protective against fatal IHD [heart disease]. Higher consumption of foods such as oil-based salad dressing that provide polyunsaturated fats, including alpha-linolenic acid, may reduce the risk of fatal IHD [heart disease]."
Meanwhile, researchers from the Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Canada, performed a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial and found that omega-3 fatty acids can benefit women receiving and not receiving hormone replacement therapy. Use of omega-3 fatty does so by reducing the concentration of clot-forming blood lipids called triacylglycerols (i.e., triglycerides). In this study, women were given fish oil capsules providing 2.4 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus 1.6 grams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily, or placebo. Supplementation with the fish oil capsules was associated with 26 percent lower serum triglyceride concentrations and highly improved ratio of triglycerides to beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. "These results show that supplementation with a fish-oil derived concentrate can favorably influence selected cardiovascular disease risk factors, particularly by achieving marked reductions in serum triacylglycerol concentrations and triacylglycerol:HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women receiving and not receiving HRT," say the researchers. "This approach could potentially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 27% in postmenopausal women."
Evolutionary Food
This shouldn't be a surprise at all, says Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D., of The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, in Washington, D.C. "Human beings evolved consuming a diet that contained about equal amounts of n-3 [omega-3] and n-6 [omega-6] essential fatty acids," she said recently in a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. "Over the past 100-150 [years] there has been an enormous increase in the consumption of n-6 fatty acids due to the increased intake of vegetable oils from corn, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cottonseed, and soybeans." Today, she adds, in Western diets, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ranges from around twenty-or- thirty to one instead of the traditional range of one-or-two to one. Studies indicate that a high intake of such omega-6 fatty acids shifts the body's physiologic state to one that is at higher risk for blood clotting and, therefore, heart attacks. The omega-3 fatty acids, however, have anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and vasodilatory properties, she says. "These beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids have been shown in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and, in some patients with renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
Although most studies have been carried out with fish oils [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], Dr. Simopoulos adds that alpha-linolenic acid, found in green leafy vegetables, flaxseed, rapeseed, and walnuts, elongates in the human body to EPA and DHA and by itself may have beneficial effects in health and in the control of such chronic diseases.
"Results of many studies indicate that consumption of n-3 fatty acids can benefit persons with cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis," say researchers from the Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, and the Child Nutrition Research Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia. They add, however, that "encapsulated fish oil is unlikely to be suited to lifetime daily use and recommendations to increase fish intake have not been effective."
The Doctors Prescription
Foods that are strategically or naturally enriched in omega-3 fatty acids can be used to achieve desired biochemical effects that are approximately equivalent or superior to those allegedly found with supplemental ERT. One of the most promising and easily utilized foods is organic cold-pressed ground flaxseed and flax seed oil.
On a daily basis, use organic cold-pressed ground flaxseed and flax oil. For example, flaxseed is natures answer to ERT. Organic cold-pressed flaxseed is a convenient addition to a healthful diet when sprinkled on yogurt or cereal, added to your favorite recipe or stirred into juice or water.
How to Select a Quality Flaxseed Product Be sure when you purchase ground flaxseed for your culinary needs that the label of your product states that the flax is from cold-milled select flaxseed and that it is 100 percent organic and therefore pesticide and herbicide free. Such a milling process delicately liberates naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, lignans, and phytonutrients without damaging delicate omega-3 fatty acids. Concurrently the surface area of both soluble and insoluble fibers is greatly increased for maximum benefit.
Another advantage with organically ground flaxseed is that the viscous nature of soluble fibers such as flaxseed mucilage is believed to slow down digestion and absorption of starch, resulting in lower levels of blood glucose, insulin and other endocrine responses.
Just two tablespoons is the recommended daily usage for lignan-rich flax seed oil or six tablespoons of whole flaxseed.
How to Find the Best Lignan Flax Oil
Be sure the company that produces your flax is M.A.D. about fresh lignan flax oil. Here's what to look for when it comes to being M.A.D. about fresh flax:
Made to Order. Be sure your flax oil is made to order. Most nutritional oil companies rely on third-party distributors to stock, inventory and ultimately deliver their products to market, sometimes months after manufacturing. For this reason, most flaxseed oil today is dated for freshness for up to one year. This is too long for a perishable electron-rich live food, like flaxseed oil. What's more, these products are typically shipped by ground transportation resulting in prolonged delivery and conditions such as high heat that may degrade the oil. Worse yet, some companies have resorted to refining and or filtering their oil in order to artificially extend shelf life. Be sure your flax oil is made to order, and that the oil is pressed the day it is ordered.
Air Delivered. Once fresh pressed, be sure your flax oil is rushed by air delivery, manufacturer-direct to your favorite natural health center or health professional, arriving within days of being made.
Dated for Freshness. Be sure your flax oil comes coded with both a Fresh Pressed date and a Freshest Before date stamp spanning a period of only four months for maximum potency and freshness. Prolonged distributor delivery and warehoused product makes it necessary for other brands to date stamp their oil for six to twelve months. Good for them, not so good for you.
This service is called Fresh ExPress and it guarantees you the absolute freshest flax oil anywhere. You will find this type of extremely high-quality lignan flax oil in the refrigerator sections of natural health centers nationwide.
References:
1. footnote* Psaty, B.M., et al. Hormone replacement therapy, prothrombotic mutations, and the risk of incident nonfatal myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women. JAMA,. 2001;285:906-913.
2. Hu, F.B., et al. Dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid and risk of fatal ischemic heart disease among women [see comments]. Am J Clin Nutr, 1999;69(5):890-897.
3. Star, K.D., et al. Effect of a fish-oil concentrate on serum lipids in postmenopausal women receiving and not receiving hormone replacement therapy in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Am J Clin Nutr, 2000( 72): 389-394.
4. Simopoulos, A.P. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease. Am J Clin Nutr, 1999;70:560S-569S.
PROMINENT RESEARCHER APOLOGIZES FOR PUSHING FLUORIDE
by Barry Forbes
"Why'd you do it, Doc?"
I had just tracked down Dr. Hardy Limeback, B.Sc., Ph.D in
Biochemistry, D.D.S., head of the Department of Preventive Dentistry
for the University of Toronto, and president of the Canadian
Association for Dental Research.
Dr. Limeback is Canada's leading fluoride authority and, until
recently, the country's primary promoter of the controversial
additive. In a surprising newsmaker interview this past April, Dr.
Limeback announced a dramatic change of heart.
"Children under three should never use fluoridated toothpaste," he
counseled. "Or drink fluoridated water. And baby formula must never
be made up using Toronto tap water. Never."
Why, I wondered? What could have caused such a powerful paradigm
shift?
"It's been building up for a couple of years," Limeback told me
during a recent telephone interview. "But certainly the crowning blow
was the realization that we have been dumping contaminated fluoride
into water reservoirs for half a century. The vast majority of all
fluoride additives come from Tampa Bay, Florida smokestack scrubbers.
The additives are a toxic byproduct of the super-phosphate
fertilizer industry."
"Tragically," he continued, "that means we're not just dumping
toxic fluoride into our drinking water. We're also exposing innocent,
unsuspecting people to deadly elements of lead, arsenic and radium,
all of them carcinogenic.
Because of the cumulative properties of toxins, the detrimental
effects on human health are catastrophic.
A recent study at the University of Toronto confirmed Dr.
Limeback's worst fears. "Residents of cities that fluoridate have
double the fluoride in their hip bones vis-a-vis the balance of the
population.
Worse, we discovered that fluoride is actually altering the basic
architecture of human bones."
Skeletal fluorosis is a debilitating condition that occurs when
fluoride accumulates in bones, making them extremely weak and brittle.
The earliest symptoms?
"Mottled and brittle teeth," Dr. Limeback told me. "In Canada we
are now spending more money treating dental fluorosis than we do
treating cavities. That includes my own practice."
One of the most obvious living experiments today, Dr. Limeback
believes, is a proof-positive comparison between any two Canadian
cities. "Here in Toronto we've been fluoridating for 36 years. Yet
Vancouver - which has never fluoridated - has a cavity rate lower
than Toronto's."
And, he pointed out, cavity rates are low all across the
industrialized world including Europe, which is 98% fluoride free.
Low because of improved standards of living, less refined sugar,
regular dental checkups, flossing and frequent brushing.
Now less than 2 cavities per child Canada-wide," he said.
"I don't get it, Doc. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) ran a puff piece all across America saying the stuff was better
than sliced bread. What's the story?"
"Unfortunately," he replied, "the CDC is basing its position on
data that is 50 years old, and questionable at best. Absolutely no
one has done research on fluorosilicates, which is the junk they're
dumping into the drinking water."
On the other hand," he added, "the evidence against systemic
fluoride in-take continues to pour in."
"But Doc, the dentists..."
"I have absolutely no training in toxicity," he stated firmly.
"Your well-intentioned dentist is simply following 50 years of
misinformation from public health and the dental association. Me,
too. Unfortunately, we were wrong."
Last week, Dr. Hardy Limeback addressed his faculty and students at
the University of Toronto, Department of Dentistry. In a poignant,
memorable meeting, he apologized to those gathered before him.
"Speaking as the head of preventive dentistry, I told them that I had
unintentionally mislead my colleagues and my students.
For the past 15 years, I had refused to study the toxicology
information that is readily available to anyone. Poisoning our
children was the furthest thing from my mind."
"The truth," he confessed to me, "was a bitter pill to swallow, but
swallow it I did."
South of the border, the paradigm shift has yet to dawn. After half
a century of delusion, the CDC, American Dental Association and
Public Health stubbornly and skillfully continue to manipulate public
opinion in favor of fluoridation. Meantime, study after study is
delivering the death knell of the deadly toxin.
Sure, fluoridation will be around for a long time yet, but
ultimately its supporters need to ready the life rafts. The poisonous
waters of doubt and confusion are bound to get choppier.
"Are lawsuits inevitable?" I asked the good doctor.
"Remember tobacco," was his short, succinct reply.
Welcome, Dr. Hardy Limeback, to the far side of the fluoride
equation. It's lonely over here, but in our society loneliness and
truth frequently travel hand in hand. Thank you for the undeniable
courage of your convictions.
Barry Forbes
The Tribune, Mesa, AZ
Reproduced With Permission
Tuesday May 27th 2003
Tuesday May 20th
Tuesday May 5th 2003
Developing a family mission statement , See office for more details.
Tuesday April 29th 2003.
AN EXERCISE IN CLARIFYING YOUR VALUES
The foundation of growth and congruency
What is the meaning of your life? What is your purpose. What are your goals, how do you want to be remembered? cWhy do you do your daily duties? What makes you tick? How do you make decisions?
These are crucial questions that most Americans have not answered. Because of this lack of clarity, people struggle when faced with making choices that are consistent with growth or healing. Answering these questions honestly is not easy to do. Answering these questions honestly, however, will help simplify the rest of your life. Let me explain. When answered, these questions allow for congruency in our daily lives. We are able to identify what is important and act upon it. For instance, most people will put health high on their list, but when we look at their behavior, their actions tell us otherwise. For instance, eating at McDonald's or other fast food twice a week, drinking sodas, eating French fries, not exercising or not getting enough rest is not congruent with valuing health.
We can apply this question to anything we profess to value, for example, family. Now answer this - is working sixty hours a week, watching television another twenty hours, never having a sit down meal with the entire family present, etc., congruent with valuing family? In order to continue with behaviors that are obviously at odds with values, we must rationalize or compartmentalize. We do this to justify our actions, so that we can avoid change. This exercise will help you eliminate this. You will be better able to identify your inconsistencies. You will be able to consider alternatives, which have the potential to guide you to more happiness and fulfillment.
Another empowering aspect of this exercise is that when we create a powerful why the how becomes easy. The powerful whys are your values. The meanings you attach to our life become your motivators… When you are clear on these the “how” part becomes very easy. For example a mother who instinctively values the needs of her newborn will find it relatively easy to get up several times each night.
There are no “correct” answers to value clarification. To choose not to complete this exercise is to prolong growth.
The key to this exercise is to devote quality time when asking yourself these questions, and reflect honestly upon your answers. After you have written your answers down, check to see how the daily patterns of your life support your innermost desires. Perhaps you are sabotaging what you truly value. Becoming aware of those patterns is the first step if you would like to change them.
As you work deeper into this exercise the goal is to search for your core values or your true values. Going to the core means you must ask more questions. Remember when you were a kid and followed each answer your parents gave you with another “But why…” Do it now. Why do I value health? So I can have more energy. Why do I want more energy? So I can go hiking. Why do I want to hike? So I can be in tune with nature. Why do I want to be in tune with nature? So I can appreciate the magnificence of our world. OR, another example could be “Why do I value health? So I can have the energy to spend with my family. Why do I want to be with my family? So I can experience kindness, acceptance and love.
What I am doing with these examples is showing the difference between an end value and a means value. Health is a means to your true value. It is the true values that we want to identify here. More examples. Why do I want money? So I can go on vacation. Why do I want to vacation? So I can spend time with people I care about… Fun, Intimacy, Peace… So you can see again, money is the means value, helping to realize the core value which is your true meaning or purpose to your existence.
Once you have completed this exercise, congratulate yourself. You have just identified your priorities in life. These values or priorities will help and guide you through decisions of the future. The next step is learn ways to “own” these priorities.
Here is my own list of end and mean values. Feel free to personalize it. It is within that personalization that you will come to know and appreciate who you are. Enjoy the process.
Ability Energy Intimacy Responsibility
Acceptance Education Integrity Righteousness
Accuracy Elderly Justice Risk
Achievement Excitement Kindness Romance
Adventure Faith Knowledge Routine
Altruism Fame Law-Abidance Safety
Animals Family Love Security
Awareness Forgiveness Mastery Self-Control
Balance Freedom Maturity Self-Esteem
Beauty Friendship Money Self-interest
Brotherhood Fun Nature Service
Clarity Glory Originality Sex
Children God Patience Spirituality
Comfort Goodness Peace Strength
CommunicationGrowth Pleasure Success
Compassion Happiness Popularity Support
Competence Health Positiveness Surrender
Conquest Honesty Power Talent
Cooperation Holiness Prestige Toys
Courage Honor Pride Treasure
Creativity Hope Privacy Trust
Culture Humility Property Truth
Dignity Independence Purpose Wealth
Direction Individuality Quite Wisdom
Discovery innocence Reason Winning
Duty Innovation Revenge
Don't confuse this exercise with a test. There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to help you discover where you are acting consistent to your values and where you are not.
Once we have identified the inconsistencies, the next step is to uncover what limiting beliefs or mental and emotional patterns are at play. I have many resources to coach you through ways to deal with limiting beliefs or mental or emotional patterns.
Following the initial exercise, I strongly encourage you to take the next step, which is a personal mission statement. And beyond that, making a mission statement along with your family, or your relationships, and your career is just as important. Steven Covey has a two tape audio lesson that includes a workbook. It is wonderful in its clarity on the steps to guide you in developing a mission statement, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Tuesday April 22nd 2003
INNATE INTELLIGENCE.
FOOD CHOICES. NATURE KNOWS BEST
Our understanding of this subject is enhanced by a six-year study focusing on eating preferences of 15 children. These children entered the study subsequent to having been nursed from birth. The children in the study therefore had no previously acquired preferences for food of any sort.
The children were allowed to choose from a large selection of foods. Throughout the study the children's health was excellent, except for colds lasting approximately three days. None of the children suffered serious illness during the program. At one point, the entire group contracted a fever on the same day. Interestingly, during the convalescing period, the children's natural selection included healing foods, such as carrots and beets. Children who started the program with less than optimal bone health voluntarily consumed large amounts of cod liver oil. Later test results showed that bone health of every child was above average. The psychological evaluation of the children by an individual outside the study states, “I saw them on a number of occasions and they were the finest group of specimens from a physical and behavioral standpoint that I have seen n children of the age.”
Now let's talk about what happens in a typical setting for an American child. A learned response which will work to the child's detriment for a lifetime is that or using food as punishment or reward. (Eg.
“If you're good, mommy (or daddy) will get you an ice cream, or McDonald's, etc.”
We must reeducate ourselves and our family in our diet choices. I encourage parents to become dedicated too building healthy eating habits for their children, and this will not happen without walking the walk. Our children will respect our actions, not our words, and they will follow our lead, not our advice. If this seems too high a price to pay, please understand that in the end, it is your child who will pay.
- Self-selection of food and the development of learned responses
Davis, C.M., “Self selection of diet by newly weaned infants- An experimental study,” Am J Dis Child, Vol 36, No. 4 (Oct 1928).
Davis, C.M., “Studies in the self selection of diet by young children” JADA Vol 21 (Apr 1934)
Davis, C.M., “Results of the self-selection diet by young children” Can Med Assoc J, Vol 41(Sept 1939
Don't Force It!!!! Nature Knows Best.
Excited, proud parents are many times guilty for forcing or pushing there infants through early stages of development. In the short term parents can boost of there child special feet of walking at 8 months, however in the long run this may disturb the child's neurologic development
Normally an infant is born with a genetically determined specialty for each hemisphere of the brain. This assigns specific dominance to each side of the brain. The dominance must organized throughout the body for proper function. Delacato hypothesizes that a child goes through five stage of development. 1. Intrauterine to 16 weeks, spinal cord reflex actions only. 2. 16 weeks to 6 months Homolateral activity (one side only) of visual and auditory functions. 3. 6 months to 1 year, cross pattern, quadruped crawling, development of using both sides of the body together. This is an important area of development to prepare the child for the upright position. 4. 1 year to 5 years more complex brain function, walking, and continued bilateral development. 5. 3 years to 8 years. Brain dominance; develops right or left dominace and continued neurologic organization.
Problems start when our babies innate powers are interfered with, thus affecting crucial development. The most common ways parents interfere are by 1. Restricting movement by confining children in plastic carrying baskets, playpens, and walkers. Encouraging their to use their right hand during eating or writing. Heavy clothing if worn frequently may is also restrictive 2. Constantly holding your child in the same position during feedings this restricts the use of the limbs and eyes bilaterally. 3. When the baby begins eating solid food, there is a tendency to place the child in a restrictive chair and encourage the use of utensils this forces the child into unilateral development. 4. Forcing a child to stand and walk too rapidly forces the child into advanced development for which she/ he is not ready. 5. Forcing a child that is normally developing left-dominance into a right-dominant.
Tuesday April 15th 2003
NOTES FROM MOM'S MORNING OUT…
MORE ON SPROUTING…
I'll bring some nylon screen squares to use on quart jars, if you haven't found the plastic screw tops yet or just need a couple more. This way everyone can get started on sprouting right away! I like to have two or three going all the time. My family's favorites are lentils, mung bean and a clover or alfalfa (kids seem to like these smaller/finer ones) Adzuki Bean sprouts are great too, but may be a bit strong to start kids on. They are larger making them a nice car snack.
STANDARD PROCESS BARS ARE IN STOCK!!! We used these as a transition tool for getting our kids off other treats/bars and for emergency situations like classroom parties, we keep one in our child's backpack and in the glove box of my car for those times I don't get enough snacks together and everyone is hungry…$36/box or $2/each
The HOMEOPATHIC TOOTHPASTE, HomeoFresh, recommended by Dr. Cola, is available at Backcountry Chiropractic. I'll also have these available at Mom's Morning Out. HomeoFresh comes in two flavors Chlorophyllum (mint) and Anisum (light licorice) for $6/tube. Use just a small amount for kids then the flavor becomes less critical, however still checking for something pink and kid friendly…In any case, read labels and get the fluoride out of your kids diet completely (see fluoride articles posted from last weeks Mother's Morning Out.) My choice on automatic dishwashing powder is ECOVER. Check them out at http://www.ecover.com, United Nations Award-“Global 500 Roll of Honor” for outstanding environmental achievement. I haven't checked our any of their other household products yet, but they do have an interesting company.
WHAT DOES BIODEGRADABILITY MEAN?
A substance which can be broken down by micro-organisms in soil, water or sewage treatment is called "biodegradable". This is the earth's natural cleaning process; without it, everything ever manufactured would accumulate in our environment.
Given enough time, just about everything we pour down our drains is biodegradable. What's important is how long the process takes - anywhere from a few hours to hundreds of years. The major problem with most cleaners in use today is that slow biodegradability leads to an accumulation of poisons in our water supply.
Natural products can make a real difference. by not contributing to these dangerous accumulations.
Detergents - Synthetic detergents cause more poisonings than any other household product. Even phosphate-free, biodegradable laundry detergent contributes to water pollution.Bleach - Baking soda and water is safer cleaner than diluted bleach. Use borax or soda to whiten. Borax is a good grease cutter.
Close The Door To Hazardous Chemical
All purpose cleaners, no ammonia, no acids, no alkalis, no kerosene or solvent.
Ammonia is a suffocating gas which can cause irritation and damage to eyes lungs.
Disinfectants, no cresol, no phenols.
Cresol easily absorbed through the skin and lungs. Can cause damage to liver, kidneys, lung spleen and pancreas. Can also effect Central nervous system to cause depression or hyperactivity.
Oven Cleaner. No lye
Lye. Sodium Hydroxide is corrosive to all tissue. Some oven cleaners have the potentialto cause cancer. Exposure can scar the lungs, and even cause blindness.o ammonia hydroxide, no phosphate, no fumes
Ammoniun Hydroxide, vapors can irritate skin, eyes and lungs.Detergents are found to be responsible for more household poisoning than any other substance. Many cause dermatitis, flu-like and asthmatic like conditions, and severe eye damage.
All-Fabric Laundry Brightener, No Chlorine.
Chlorine: Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that varied reactions can occur from chlorine fumes. “Chlorine is not inert; it interacts with other chemicals and even simple organic matter such as bacteria. These chemical reactions sometimes produce chloroform and other carcinogens.”
Never mix ammonia with bleach or commercial cleansers - deadly fumes may form.
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Save time and money by trying these simple household cleaners!
by Sandy Shields
Window Cleaner
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 quart warm water.
Floor Cleaner
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 gallons water.
Glass Coffee Pot Cleaner
Place crushed ice, salt and sliced lemons in pot and swirl till clean.
Furniture polish
Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 3/4 cup oil (olive, vegetable, lemon).
Brass, Copper, and Pewter Cleaner
Mix equal parts salt and vinegar, then thicken with flour.
General Cleaner