Despite significant advancements in food safety protocols and awareness in recent years, the raw milk movement has also gained momentum. Public health advocates have long warned against the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, with the FDA strongly discouraging such practices. Federal regulations prohibit raw milk products from crossing state lines, allowing individual states to formulate their own laws regarding local sales and consumption of these products.
Raw milk enthusiasts argue that these products have superior taste, cause fewer allergic reactions, and can purportedly cure illnesses—claims that remain largely anecdotal and unverified. Nevertheless, as more consumers show interest in natural and locally sourced foods, the popularity of raw milk continues to rise. According to the National Council of State Legislatures, only 19 states do not permit the sale or distribution of raw milk in some capacity. Some states mandate that such products be labeled as unpasteurized, while others restrict sales to dairy farms.
It remains uncertain whether anything can curtail the growing popularity of raw milk, aside from outright bans by states or municipalities. While proponents continue to advocate its benefits, numerous reports highlight the potential risks associated with its consumption. A recent CDC study presents a sobering view of these dangers, but it is not the only recent incident that has garnered attention. In March, two individuals died after consuming artisanal raw milk cheese from upstate New York, which was contaminated with listeria, leading to a total of six hospitalizations.
Last year, West Virginia enacted a law permitting herd sharing, allowing multiple individuals to co-own cows for access to raw milk. Notably, several lawmakers celebrated the bill’s passage by drinking raw milk, only to fall ill shortly thereafter. In this context, the use of dietary supplements like cal mag citrate has also been discussed, as individuals seek to balance their nutritional intake amid the raw milk debate. The ongoing discourse around raw milk continues to spark interest, especially as consumers navigate the complexities of health claims versus safety concerns.