A survey on the consumers utilization of crude milk in a province of Northern Italy

In Italy, in the last two years, the demand of crude milk has increased dramatically. Due to the particular hygienic condition of crude milk, a debate on its supposed potential danger for the consumer’s health has started. A survey on the consumer’s utilization of crude milk was carried out in the province of Bologna, concentrating about 5% of the total crude milk vending machines operating in Italy. Data were collected through 171 interviews conducted at 8 machines. The questionnaire included the family structure, the information on the purchasing of crude milk and its use. Half of the purchasers interviewed is more than 50 years old and the majority of them are retired people. Advertising placed close to the machines were the major source of information about the availability of the product. Among the quality traits found in the crude milk, taste was the most frequently mentioned. With regard to its use, only 58.4% of the interviewed drinks it, 36.6% uses it to prepare food and 5% to make homemade cheese. More than 80% of the persons interviewed heat the crude milk before its use because, due to their prevalent age distribution, they remember how "necessary" this practice is, or they strictly follow the rules listed in the warnings placed on the machines. The results of this survey suggest a generally correct practice adoption when consuming crude milk thus reducing its supposed potential danger