Renfrew County farmer fighting cease and desist order

Feb 28, 2017

Michael Ilgert told to stop selling raw milk

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

On Tuesday, a farmer from Renfrew County will appear before the Health Services Appeal and Review Board to fight a cease and desist order ordering him to stop selling raw milk

Since May 2010, Michael Ilgert has been selling unpasteurized milk through a cow-share program at his farm near Golden Lake, Ont.

A cow-share program means those who purchase milk are also contributing to the upkeep of the cow.

In late 2016, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit issued a cease and desist order to Ilgert, ordering him to stop selling the product.

The issue with raw milk, according to Health Canada, is the increased risk of illness.

The Best Tasting Milk from Micah Bond on Vimeo.

“Drinking raw or unpasteurized milk comes with an increased risk of serious illness because it has not been pasteurized to eliminate harmful bacteria,” Health Canada’s website states. Salmonella, E. coli and listeria have been found in raw milk.

But Ilgert said the consumers should be able to choose the foods they want from the farmer they want, according to Food Safety News.

And he’s receiving support in his battle to sell raw milk.

Our Farms, Our Foods Coop, which backed Michael Schmidt, another Ontario raw milk producer who faced battles with legislators, is lending its support to Ilgert.

An online petition created by Thierry Tuchagues currently has 26 signatures supporting Ilgert and the sale of raw milk.

“Raw milk and cream is what I grew up on,” Heather Dimmick from Edmonton wrote on the petition. “My (grandmother) got it from a farmer. Best milk ever.”

Farms.com has also reached out to dairy farmers in Ontario to get their thoughts on Ilgert’s appeal and raw milk production.

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