Selling dairy yourself (safely): here's how to do it!
Selling dairy from the farm is very popular. That’s no surprise, as it benefits both buyer and seller. By skipping middlemen, the consumer pays less, while you as a farmer don't have to contribute to the middleman's salary. Have you also considered that it helps bridge the gap between farmer and consumer? A win-win situation.
(Raw) milk products and food safety
In this blog, we address food safety, not the administrative side of things. Let's start with the good news: as a dairy farm, you can sell dairy products on the farm where they are produced.
Nevertheless, there are some requirements you must meet when selling fresh products. The most important one is ensuring health and safety. Dairy sales must comply with Article 8 of the Foodstuffs Hygiene Decree. Although there is no active reporting obligation for the sale of these products, self-processing farmers are under the control of the Dutch Quality Control Authority (COKZ) [1]. This organization supervises the compliance with hygiene and safety standards. These checks are important to protect consumer health.
What are the risks with raw milk?
The main risk when selling raw dairy products is the possible presence of harmful microorganisms such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli [2]. These bacteria can cause serious food infections. When raw dairy products are not handled properly, they can become a breeding ground for pathogens. Vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk [2].
Salmonella: danger in raw milk
As mentioned, the main focus of these inspections is to ensure food safety. Raw dairy products, in particular, pose a risk of Salmonella. This well-known bacterium can cause intestinal problems when contaminated products are consumed. Fortunately, dairy farmers are very vigilant about this pathogen and the health of their animals in general. After all, it’s in everyone’s interest to deliver high-quality, fresh dairy products. A Salmonella infection can also cost a farmer thousands of euros.
Improving drinking water quality
Did you know that pathogens like Salmonella are often found in the drinking water of livestock farms? The bacteria can enter the milk through various routes, but a common source is the animals’ drinking water. Since milk is 88% water, it’s essential to keep drinking water free of such bacteria. Research also shows that many dairy farmers can make progress in fighting disease in their water troughs. For example, Jan and Meindert Leijenaar were able to reduce the number of Salmonella infections by 67% by improving their farm’s drinking water with Watter.
How is it at your farm?
Are you curious about how you can improve your drinking water and eliminate harmful pathogens on your farm? Contact the experts at Watter.
References: