Key facts
- The American Academy of Pediatrics called for a ban on raw milk sales in the US.
- Raw milk sales increased by 17.6% in 2024.
- Over 100 people became sick and 11 were hospitalized this summer due to raw milk consumption.
- An E. coli outbreak was linked to cheese from Raw Farm, affecting mostly children.
- Pasteurization heats milk to destroy pathogens and bacteria, a process adopted in the late 19th century.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for a ban on the sale of unpasteurized milk in the United States, as outbreaks of illness linked to raw milk continue to alarm public health officials. Despite a growing trend of Americans consuming raw milk, often influenced by social media and a distrust of regulators, health authorities maintain that pasteurization is crucial for safety.
Proponents of raw milk claim it offers health benefits such as reducing lactose intolerance, curing allergies, and boosting immunity. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other public health groups dispute these claims, stating there is no scientific evidence to support them. While raw milk producers argue that pasteurization diminishes flavor and nutritional value, health officials emphasize its role in preventing serious illnesses.
Petra Levin, a professor of biology at Washington University, expressed concern about the high likelihood of contracting a pathogen from raw milk. The practice of pasteurization, which involves heating milk to kill harmful bacteria, was widely adopted in the US in the late 19th century and is credited with significantly reducing infant mortality rates. The FDA banned the interstate sale of raw milk in 1987, though sales within states remain subject to local laws.
In recent years, raw milk consumption has seen an increase, with many states relaxing their regulations. Market research firm Circana reported a 17.6% rise in raw milk sales in 2024. This trend has been partly fueled by influencers and public figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously advocated for raw milk before taking office as US health secretary. He and psychiatrist Dr. Paul Saladino, author of 'The Carnivore Code,' were known to consume raw milk, though Kennedy has reportedly ceased advocating for it.
Ben Beichler, who runs Creambrook Farm in Virginia and sells raw milk through a herd share program, noted a significant business boost since the Covid-19 pandemic, attributing it to increased consumer focus on self-protection and a general societal skepticism towards established systems. His farm's sales have grown 30-50% annually since 2020. Beichler and other advocates point to studies, such as a 2011 report in 'Clinical & Experimental Allergy,' suggesting farm milk consumption may protect against asthma and allergies. However, the FDA notes that these studies often involved milk that was not exclusively raw, and the authors themselves stated that the effect of raw versus pasteurized milk could not be objectively evaluated.
Beichler stated his farm tests every batch of milk in its own laboratory and sends samples to a third-party lab to ensure safety, and his farm has received positive reviews. He also advised consumers to be judicious about their sources. Despite these assurances, public health officials like Dr. Brian Dawes, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford University, highlight the particular danger raw milk poses to children due to their less developed immune systems. He supports a ban on raw milk and emphasizes the need to restore public trust in the established milk safety systems.