How Did Milk Become Cheaper Than Water?

World politics and a lower demand has caused the price of milk to plummet, sending the UK's dairy industry into dire straits.

British dairy farmers have expressed fears about being driven out of business due to the catastrophic price drop, which has seen a pint of milk sell for less than a bottle of water.

A Russian ban on imports and reduced demand in China is causing the drop in sales, Channel 4 reports.

Many suffering farmers are turning to other sources of income, because the costs of milk production are too high compared to the return.

READ MORE:
Falling Milk Prices and the Impact on British Dairy Farmers
Cheese, Yogurt And Milk Could Hold The Secret To Lowering Diabetes Risk

Pros And Cons Of Raw Milk

CON: Unpasteurized milk can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.(01 of07)

According to the FDA, raw, unpasteurized milk can carry dangerous bacteria which are responsible for causing many foodborne illnesses. While supporters of raw milk cite that this is incredibly rare, that doesn't negate the fact that you can become very ill from bad bacteria in raw milk. It's the reason pasteurization was invented. The process of heating milk above 161 degrees helped curb such illnesses as Tuberculosis. (credit:Flickr: Brie)

PRO: Raw milk proponants claim it tastes better.(02 of07)

Because raw milk has not been heated or homogenized -- and often comes from pasture raised animals -- it tends to be sweeter and richer. Some of the country's best chefs, like Dan Barber of Blue Hill, swear by its flavor superiority. (credit:Flickr: Brie)

CON: More people are sickened in states where the sale of raw milk is legal.(03 of07)

In data combined from 1993-2006, 77 percent of illness outbreaks caused by raw milk occurred in states where it was legal. And 73 percent sickened by raw milk (or its products) directly were in states where it was legal. (credit:Flickr: Hella Delicious)

PRO: Raw milk contains no additives.(04 of07)

Raw milk is milk that comes straight from the udder and is then directly cooled and bottled. Since raw milk hasn't been processed it has nothing in it but the milk that was taken from the cow. For food purists, this is a major plus. (credit:Flickr: Mike Grenville)

CON: Raw milk is especially dangerous to people with weakened immune systems.(05 of07)

According to the FDA, raw milk is especially risky for older adults, pregnant women and children. There have been documented cases where children who were given raw milk as a healthier dairy option ended up extremely ill. (credit:Flickr: prairie.mouse)

PRO: Raw milk is responsible for some pretty amazing cheeses. (06 of07)

Raw milk contributes to the flavor of some of our favorite cheeses. The raw milk imparts unique characteristics of the land in which the cheese is made, giving it a distinctive terrior. (credit:Flickr: Susy Morris)

CON: There is no strong scientific evidence that raw milk is healthier, so why risk it?(07 of07)

While many raw milk enthusiasts cite studies that claim raw milk can help prevent asthma, lactose intolerance and allergies, those who are against raw milk consumption point out that these studies have been small and inconclusive. (credit:Flickr: Raychel Erdmanczyk)

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