HONOLULU — The state Department of Health Food Safety Branch inspectors are visiting pet-supply stores and food retailers throughout the state and issuing cease-and-desist notices to those engaged in the illegal sale of unpasteurized goat milk.
HONOLULU — The state Department of Health Food Safety Branch inspectors are visiting pet-supply stores and food retailers throughout the state and issuing cease-and-desist notices to those engaged in the illegal sale of unpasteurized goat milk.
An embargo on raw milk products, which are not safe for human consumption, is now in effect. Pet stores or any other retailer that has raw milk in their possession must remove the product from sale immediately and destroy or return the product to their supplier. Failure to do so may result in seizure and fines of up to $10,000 per day.
Under Hawai‘i law, only Grade A pasteurized milk and milk products may be sold to the final consumer or to restaurants.
Raw milk has the potential to carry and transmit dangerous pathogens including E. coli, salmonella and a host of other bacteria that can cause disease. Drinking raw milk can lead to a dangerous outbreak of disease, the DOH stated.
