Lift the FDA restrictions on harmless bacteria found in cheese

The FDA just cut allowable amounts of a harmless bacteria in cheese, effectively banning many imported cheeses and causing distress among American artisan cheese makers. The FDA claims the amount of bacteria found in the cheese is a marker for health concerns. Research has shown that the bacteria is harmless and important in the cheese making process. The new restrictions may do more harm to public health than good as it decreases microbial diversity and reduces our intake of "good" gastrointestinal bacteria. The restrictions may also put raw milk cheese producers out of business with this arbitrary and unreasonable change. We urge the White House to put a stay on the FDA's new restrictions until further research has been conducted to support the FDA's claims.