Ontario raw milk farm raided, equipment seized by public health officials: farmer

DURHAM, Ont. — An Ontario farmer who has long fought for the right to sell unpasteurized milk says public health officials have raided his farm northwest of Toronto and have seized raw milk and dairy equipment.

Michael Schmidt says about 20 officials raided his farm at 10:30 a.m. Friday and remain on the property in Durham as they remove equipment and computers.

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Schmidt says he offers a cow-sharing service for customers who want raw milk products, which he distributes weekly.

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York Region says it has an active investigation into Schmidt’s farming collective and raided one of his van’s on Tuesday to confiscate milk.

The Ontario government maintains the unprocessed milk poses a significant risk to public health, but Schmidt insists there’s no evidence anyone has ever fallen ill from his milk, and he and his supporters argue raw milk offers health benefits.

York Region officials said they will issue a statement about the farm raid later on Friday.