Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) has announced its withdrawal from the Ontario Cheese Society (OCS), citing its “endorsement of raw milk advocate Michael Schmidt.”
In DFO’s monthly newsletter, Pipeline, its marketing logistics director, Dave Nolan, is quoted as saying: “It’s unconscionable that the OCS continues to endorse, and even promote, the consumption of raw milk by consumers.”
But secretary-treasurer Don Pendlebury says the six-year-old society was not endorsing raw milk sales and its members believe in producing a safe product. He says the society “is a voice” for artisan cheese makers “for people to share ideas” and Schmidt is a member.