I’ve just been searching online for an article I read in the Times at the weekend, which reckoned unpasteurised milk is the latest fad for health-conscious Americans.
Thinking I might write something about raw milk’s rising sales, I was rather surprised to come across some other interesting issues about America’s latest craze.
The sale of raw milk for human consumption is actually illegal in 15 states, while restrictions are in place in the 26 states where it can be bought.
This means some people keen to take up the latest health-boosting habit have to go to some rather extreme lengths to get their fix.
“Clandestine milk clubs” have been formed so people can find out where to get their hands on the illicit substance on the black market.
This in turn has led to sting operations, with undercover investigators infiltrating the groups to uncover suppliers.
Meanwhile, people in other states have bought shares in cows to get around the legal wranglings of buying raw milk to pour on their cornflakes.
According to one unpasteurised ‘dodgy dealer’, 1m people in the States have risked the wrath of the law by buying the stuff.
But while there may be health benefits, you have to wonder if raw milks’ popularity is just a case of people wanting what they can’t have.
Milk may be boring white stuff to some people, but make it taboo, and it suddenly seems mysterious, glamorous, exotic even, and worth going to extremes to get your hands on.
Just imagine people sneaking out to meet their milkman in the dead of night, or meeting in car parks to sneakily collect a pint of gold top from a dodgy looking geezer in a grimy overcoat and a big hat.
Maybe that’s the answer in the UK – extreme I know, but illegal milk drinking is sure to pull in the thrill-seekers. I’ve already got my rainmac and dark shades at the ready.