More States Allowing Intrastate Sales of Raw Milk

(WASHINGTON, DC) Public health authorities warn consumers to avoid consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk. Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria and can pose serious health risks, particularly for people with weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant women, and children. Pasteurizing milk involves a process where the product is heated for a specified period of time to kill dangerous bacteria and pathogens. Federal law requires pasteurization for all interstate shipments of milk and milk products intended for direct human consumption. Individual states, however, can allow intrastate shipments of raw milk from cows, sheep, or goats for human consumption. In 2016, 38 States allowed some form of intrastate sales of raw milk, 13 allowed sales in retail stores, and 25 allowed on-farm sales or cow-share agreements where a consumer can purchase a share of a cow’s milk production.