MILK AS FOOD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24244, 9 April 1942, Page 8

MILK AS FOOD

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE POTENTIAL DANGERS CLEANLINESS ESSENTIAL The fact that milk, in spite of all its invaluable qualities, is potentially one of the most dangerous of foods is emphasised in a statement by the medical officer of health in Auckland, Dr. T. J. Hughes. '.'Milk is unquestionably one of the most important of human foods," he says. "It contains practically all the elements which man requires for his sustenance, and constitutes his sole dependence throughout the first year of his life. "In later years milk and its products make up a large proportion of man's diet, and go far toward furnishing the total energy expended, in hie daily tasks. It still remains, in proportion to the energy furnished, one of the cheapest and most desirable foods, and it is considered indispensable by rich and poor alike. Rightfully, then, it has attained a position in the dietary of the population unequalled by any other food.

"Yet in spite of these facts milk is, at least potentially, one of the most dangerous foods we consume. Instead of producing strength and nourishment it may engender weakness and death, and is capable of transforming health and vigour into frailty and decay. Annually thousands of babies throughout the world are ushered to their graves because of impure_ milk, while thousands of others journey through life maimed and injured from its action. , "Milk is an exceedingly perishable product; it spoils most readily if not maintained at a proper temperature and if cleanliness is not exercised m its handling. The addition of certain chemicals delays or retards this decomposition, and substances known_ as milk preservatives were at one_ time used by dealers to preserve their product. These preservatives are a substitute for cold and cleanliness —the onlv satisfactory preservatives. "From a health standpoint the accidental impurities of milk are much more important than the adulterations intentionally added by man. Illness seldom arises from the abstraction of any element contained in the milk, but serious maladies may result from contamination which is accidental although nevertheless preventable. "Care in the production and handling of milk is an absolute essential. It is not to be expected that this substance. one of the most perishable of all foods and one of the most susceptible to the influence if dirt and bacteria, can be obtained in a pure state without regard to strict rules of cleanliness."

CRITICISM OF SUPPLIES NO COMMENT BY BOARD Th§ criticism by the medical officer of health, Dr. T. J. Hughes, of the milk supplies that have been drawn on by the Milk Council recently to make up deficiencies from the normal sources was referred to the chairman of the council, Mr. I J. Goldstine, yesterday. In answer to an inquiry as to what action the council proposes to Mke, Mr. Goldstine said he had no comment to make.