Goodhew said raw milk was a high risk food, particularly for children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.
“I recognise that people feel strongly about their right to buy and drink raw milk. Equally, I am also aware of the strong concerns about the public health risks associated with drinking raw milk and the potential risk to New Zealand’s food safety reputation,” Goodhew said.
“We cannot take short cuts for food safety. Requirements will be in place for those who trade raw milk, because no matter how carefully animals are milked the presence of harmful bacteria in unpasteurised milk can cause serious illness.”
2015-06-19