I love milk, but I never drink raw milk. That doesn’t mean that I think people who sell and buy it should be hounded down like drug pushers and addicts, though.

And yet, in many states, raw milk gets treated like a controlled substance. Sure, it’s OK to own a bit, but it’s illegal to sell or buy. Many states crack down on dairies that sell it. Co-operatives that let customers milk their own cows, for their own consumption, are under attack, too.

Why? Well, in the old days, everyone drank raw milk, but some farmers skimmed it first, adding stuff to make it seem like the cream had not been taken. After pasteurization became common, it also became required. Processed milk is what nearly everybody uses today.

But not without cost. Raw milk has properties that some people claim are really good for you. Drink raw milk and you get more vitaimin B6 and gain resistance to a number of diseases. Drink the pasteurized product and some of those benefits die with the bacteria killed.

On the other hand, some really bad stuff does get killed with pasteurization; Every year several hundred people get sick on raw milk.

Does this mean raw milk should be prohibited?

No. Ever hear of individual responsibility? People can weigh risks. And choose knowledgeably.

But you won’t hear the dairy industry say that. Or our government. So expect to hear more news abour raw milk crack-downs.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.