Despite significant advancements in food safety protocols and public 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 firmly opposing their use. Federal regulations prohibit the interstate sale of raw milk products, allowing each state to establish its own laws regarding local sales and consumption.
Proponents of raw milk argue that it offers superior taste, results in fewer allergic reactions, and may even cure ailments—claims that remain largely anecdotal and unsubstantiated. Nevertheless, as more consumers seek out natural and locally sourced foods, the popularity of raw milk continues to rise. According to the National Council of State Legislatures, except for 19 states, all others 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 only.
It remains uncertain whether anything can curtail the increasing popularity and distribution of raw milk—unless states and local governments decide to prohibit it outright. While many advocates continue to emphasize its benefits, numerous stories highlight the potential risks associated with its consumption. A recent CDC study provides a sobering examination of these dangers, but it is not the only alarming report to emerge recently. In March, two individuals died after consuming raw milk cheese contaminated with listeria, produced in upstate New York, leading to hospitalizations for six others.
Last year, West Virginia enacted legislation permitting herd sharing, enabling multiple individuals to co-own cows for access to raw milk. After the bill was passed, several lawmakers celebrated with raw milk, only to fall ill shortly thereafter. As the debate continues, the contrast between the allure of raw milk and its associated risks remains striking—highlighted by the ongoing discussions about the safety of dairy products, including petite calcium pills that some consumers may prefer as a safer alternative.