Yes, we are open

Riverside Milk

Yes, we are open, selling milk and happy to answer any questions regarding the recent closure. For a prompt reply, please ring our Farm Manager Tristan directly: 022 361 5015.

The last two weeks have reminded us that we are lucky to live in a country which allows small dairy farms to sell raw milk directly to the customers and that we have robust practices in place to ensure our milk conforms to the highest standards.

Selling a product labelled a 'high risk food' by the government may well be one of the most perilous jobs around but all the stress and headaches are all worth it nevertheless.

Here an explanation of what exactly happened but firstly please note that our milk gets tested daily voluntarily as well as via an independent laboratory:

One batch of Riverside Milk (28/01/2019) did exceed microbiological limits because of one small crack in a component of the milking plant which was identified the day before but the replacement part was only mailed to us (and promptly installed) on 29th January.

The reality is that raw milk is a 'high risk food' which can contain bacteria that not all of us may be able to cope very well (the very young, pregnant, very elderly or immune system compromised). That's why we have notices commenting on this reality all through our vending shed and why we require customers to register their details with us.

While the good bacteria and lactic acid in raw milk as well as consistent refrigeration all provide for a rather hostile environment for most unwanted guests and regular raw milk consumption may actually strengthen healthy individuals' immunity, any traces of microorganisms such as campylobacter in raw milk samples will trigger an automatic suspension of raw milk sales.

There is now hardly any registered raw milk provider in the country who has not had a suspension triggered since the new legislation has come in and every now and then we hear from one of them, their worries and their uphill battles.

All we can do for now is to ensure you that we are doing our utmost best, every single day, to ensure our milk is healthy and wholesome. We would like to thank all the fabulous people who emailed, texted and rang us to offer their support and encouragement. It meant the world to us!

The Riverside Milk Team