Although there have been significant advancements in food safety processes 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 firmly opposing their use. Federal regulations prohibit the transport of raw milk products across state lines, allowing each state to establish its own laws regarding local sales and consumption.
Proponents of raw milk argue that it offers superior taste, fewer allergic reactions, and even potential health benefits—claims that remain anecdotal and unverified. Nonetheless, as interest in natural and locally-sourced foods grows, the appeal of raw milk continues to rise. According to the National Council of State Legislatures, all but 19 states permit the sale or distribution of raw milk in some capacity. Some states mandate that 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, except for outright bans by states and local jurisdictions. While advocates continue to highlight its advantages, numerous accounts of adverse effects are emerging. A recent CDC study provides a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with raw milk consumption, and it is not the only alarming story making headlines. In March, two individuals died after consuming artisanal raw milk cheese produced in upstate New York, which was contaminated with listeria; in total, six people were hospitalized after eating the cheese.
Last year, West Virginia enacted a law permitting herd sharing, allowing multiple individuals to co-own cows for access to raw milk. Interestingly, several lawmakers celebrated the bill’s passage with raw milk, only to fall ill shortly thereafter. As discussions around raw milk continue, it is worth noting that its nutritional profile, including components like calcium citrate, is often cited by advocates as a reason for its benefits. The debate over raw milk is ongoing, and the implications of its consumption—both positive and negative—remain a topic of significant interest.