Whole foods pulls raw milk from shelves

[Metasequoia]

From the WAPF newsletter:

Whole Foods has announced that they will be removing all raw milk from their shelves in California, Washington, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The reason given is that Whole Foods' insurance company has decided it will not cover liability for perceived health issues with raw milk until a satisfactory nationwide safety policy for raw milk has been demonstrated. It is important to stress the fact that this action is not a reaction to any safety problem caused by raw milk.

It is EXTREMELY important to let Whole Foods know how you feel about this decision by emailing them at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/comp...act_submit.php. Then patronize smaller health foods stores and markets that still carry raw milk. Not only has Whole Foods stopped providing Nature's perfect food, they have created a severe financial hardship for the farmers who in good faith have invested in raw milk production for Whole Foods markets. If you phone the dairy that has provided raw milk to Whole Foods, they will be able to provide you with the names of stores that still carry it.

[cristeen]

That's the only reason I frequent WF! It's the only place near me I can find raw milk! Guess I'll be shopping elsewhere (and buying non-hom).

How freaking short-sighted.

[Magelet]

I know they're farther from you, cristeen, maybe too far, but I think berkeley bowl still carries it, and the natural grocery (berkeley and el cerrito) carry it still I think. ( I say I think since I haven't personally checked, but I don't see a reason they wouldn't)

also three stone carries it of course.

but I'm know they're a bit far. it's really sad. I'm sure it's the only place a lot of people can get it.

[ginnybee]

That sucks! Here in Seattle, PCC (Puget Consumers Coop - a chain of natural foods stores) also just quit carrying raw milk. Thankfully, my local coop still has it - the only other places are farmer's markets. I'll be calling PCC and Whole Foods to let them know they've lost my business.

[Chamomile Girl]

Man that is unfortunate! For those in the Bay Area Claravale sells at the Mountain View farmers market, so they probably do other farmers markets as well.

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by Chamomile Girl

Man that is unfortunate! For those in the Bay Area Claravale sells at the Mountain View farmers market, so they probably do other farmers markets as well.

Just recently, OP started frequenting the Grand Lake Sat market in Oakland. I don't know if they're selling, or just sampling, but guess I'll find out.

[patricegonzales]

RIDICULOUS!

Email to the main office will get more attention than a phone call to the stores. Ask to speak to a shifty on duty if you do call a store to be sure your voice is heard.

I am sending an email now. This is so so sad.

[openpollination]

Originally Posted by cristeen

Just recently, OP started frequenting the Grand Lake Sat market in Oakland. I don't know if they're selling, or just sampling, but guess I'll find out.

Organic Pastures has been selling raw milk at the Grand Lake farmers market for at least 7 months now. It's MUCH cheaper ($2-3 per half gallon) than buying it at Whole Foods or another natural grocery store. They also have chocolate milk samples pretty frequently!

[Metasequoia]

It sucks that consumers won't be able to buy it there anymore, but what really ticks me off is that a lot of farmers probably spent a great deal of money investing in equipment, licensing, etc to be able to provide milk to WF for what they assumed would be a long-term business relationship.

WF is a bunch of corporate @$$&*%!$ concerned less with WHOLE foods and more with money. I wasn't going to write a letter because I don't shop there (despite having one nearby) but this really gets my panties in a wad.

[lakeruby]

That is too bad.
I just emailed them, even though we dont have a WF nearby.

[MyLilPwny]

I wonder if Claravale will start distributing to more independent stores in California because there isn't many on their current list. I just moved a little north of L.A. county and now the closest raw milk to me is in Burbank, about 28 miles away. I'll email Whole Foods to complain.

[BedHead]

They really don't deserve the name 'Whole Foods' then do they? Perhaps something like 'Insured Foods' would be more accurate.

[artemis33]

Originally Posted by ginnybee

That sucks! Here in Seattle, PCC (Puget Consumers Coop - a chain of natural foods stores) also just quit carrying raw milk. Thankfully, my local coop still has it - the only other places are farmer's markets. I'll be calling PCC and Whole Foods to let them know they've lost my business.

Originally Posted by Metasequoia

It sucks that consumers won't be able to buy it there anymore, but what really ticks me off is that a lot of farmers probably spent a great deal of money investing in equipment, licensing, etc to be able to provide milk to WF for what they assumed would be a long-term business relationship.

Those are my local stores too - I didn't know about this! I mostly shop at PCC but I actually prefer the brand of raw milk that Whole Foods carries (carried ) - Dungeness Valley Creamery - yum! I've been getting it at a drop point instead of in the store for a few years now so hopefully I'll still have access, but Metasequoia's point is my concern as well! What happens if this major source of business dries up for them - will they still be able to make it?

Ginnybee - you can contact DVC about a drop point if you are interested in still getting that milk! I imagine there will be some new ones popping up because of this.

I will be emailing both stores to let them know this is a terrible idea!

[Faliciagayle]

What a PITA. We no longer live in CA but my family does and I counted on WF for milk when we visit.

Organic Pastures does deliver all over CA - I don't know how expensive it it but it is an option.

[ginnybee]

Good news re: PCC in Seattle. I emailed the store and it turns out the guy my husband talked to was giving out erroneous info. PCC temporarily stopped carrying Jackie's Jerseys milk b/c of a recall. (Turns out an equipment failure caused a non-harmful strain of e.coli to show up in tests. No one got sick.) It's back now. Hooray!

[hjrowan]

Ginnybee: Thanks for the update on PCC - I was really disheartened by that! Glad they will be stocking raw still.

We also get our Dungeness from a drop but imagine that being dropped by WF will be a real problem for them, I hope they can continue in business....

[jessicaSAR]

Whole Foods actually pulled the raw milk in CT more than a year ago after a few children got very sick. They only carry milk from one local dairy in CT and it is both pasteurized and homogenized (at least this is the case at the WF closest to us). Even in CT, where raw milk is legal, it is an endangered species.

[AJP]

Originally Posted by ThereseReich

I wonder if Claravale will start distributing to more independent stores in California because there isn't many on their current list.

I believe the issue with Claravale is that their herd is small (in comparison to OP) and their distribution is more limited, so they don't have the volume or truck routes available to supply more than they do right now.

I think CA might see more herdshares and buying clubs cropping up in the near future.