The aim of the focus action was to check raw milk, which can be taken directly from the raw milk vending machine, for its microbiological status and for residues of cleaning agents. 74 samples from all over Austria were examined. 21 samples were rejected:

• two samples contained bacteria of the genus Campylobacter jejuni and vero/shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli, respectively. In both samples, the notice "Raw milk, boil before consumption" required by the Raw Milk Ordinance was not affixed or was not affixed properly. The samples were judged to be harmful to health
• 19 samples were rejected due to elevated microbiological bacterial counts
• no sample was rejected because of residues of cleaning agents and disinfectants.

Raw milk is only filtered and cooled after milking and can be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria, Campylobacter or STEC (shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli). Infections with these bacteria can lead to serious diseases with possibly life-threatening consequences.