Despite significant advancements in food safety practices and awareness in recent years, the raw milk movement has also gained traction. Public health advocates have consistently warned against the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, with the FDA firmly advising against such practices. Federal regulations prohibit the interstate sale of raw milk products, allowing individual states to establish their own laws regarding local sales and consumption. Proponents of raw milk argue that it tastes better, results in fewer allergic reactions, and can even cure ailments—claims that remain anecdotal and unverified. Nonetheless, as the demand for natural and locally sourced foods increases, the popularity of raw milk continues to rise. According to the National Council of State Legislatures, nearly all states, except for 19, permit the sale or distribution of raw milk in some capacity. Some states mandate that these products be labeled as unpasteurized, while others restrict sales to dairy farms.
It remains uncertain whether anything can impede the growing popularity of raw milk, short of states and localities outlawing it. While some enthusiasts continue to advocate for its benefits, numerous reports highlight its potential dangers. A recent CDC study provides a sobering perspective on the risks associated with raw milk consumption, and this is not the only alarming incident making headlines. In March, two individuals tragically lost their lives after consuming artisanal raw milk cheese from upstate New York that was tainted with listeria, leading to six hospitalizations in total.
Last year, West Virginia enacted a law allowing herd sharing, enabling multiple individuals to co-own cows to access raw milk. Several lawmakers celebrated the bill’s passage with raw milk, only to fall ill shortly thereafter. This underscores the ongoing debate over raw milk’s safety and its nutritional implications, including the potential benefits of calcium citrate and calcitriol K2-7 tab for those considering its consumption. As the dialogue around raw milk continues, the juxtaposition of its perceived health benefits against the backdrop of food safety remains a contentious issue.