Milk suppliers in Keighley have reacted with caution to a government statement this week linking milk to an incurable stomach disease.

Supermarkets and dairies will be taking precautionary measures to prevent the risk of milk causing Crohn's disease which can lead to stomach cramps, sickness and, in severe cases, tumours in the bowels and intestines.

Dairy companies such as M D Foods of Keighley will be increasing the time allowed for milk to pasteurise to destroy the harmful bacteria. "The company takes every food issue extremely seriously," says a spokesman. "M D Foods is modifying its pasteurisation process by extending the time milk is heated from 15 to 25 seconds."

Suppliers say sales of milk have not decreased as a result of the announcement and believe customers are following Depart-ment of Health advice to continue drinking milk. Andrew Capstick, Deputy Manager of Morrisons supermarket in Keighley, says: "We have had no difference in sales whatsoever. We are following the guideline that it shouldn't affect dietary habits."

Dairy farmer Mr Wood, of High Wheathead Farm in Exley Head believes the announcement to be yet another food-safety fuss following the controversy surrounding British beef. "It's just another scare story," he says. "Farmers drink unpasteurised milk all the time and you'd think that we'd get it first. But I don't know anyone who's had Crohn's disease."

People on the streets of Keighley were not too worried either.

Mary Bennet, 80, of Highfield Lane, Keighley, said: "I've been drinking milk for 80 years and I'm not going to stop now. It hasn't done me any harm."

Shirley Shields, a shopkeeper of Granby Drive, Riddlesden, agreed. "I've done alright on milk until now and I'll keep on drinking it," she said.

Mandy Barton, 36, a shop assistant of Cowling, said: "There's always a scare - we might as well not eat or drink anything."

Brenda Talbot, of Windsor Road, Oakworth, said: "It doesn't worry me. It'll all be a phase."

Hilda Stevenson, 62, of Steeton, insisted: "I didn't stop eating eggs and I won't stop drinking milk."

And Carla Lee, 25, of Fell Lane, Keighley, said: "It doesn't worry me, but they've done the right thing by telling everybody."

It's up to them if they buy it.'

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