Tag: Farm to consumer

According to the CDC, consumption of unpasteurized milk can pose serious health risks, yet a growing movement advocates for its legalization, citing potential health benefits and fundamental consumer rights. The debate over legalizing raw milk is a complex one, pitting public health concerns against arguments for food freedom and economic opportunity for small farms.

An estimated 4.4% of US adults consumed raw milk at least once in a recent year, illustrating the persistent demand for unpasteurized dairy despite widespread pasteurization standards. The legality and availability of unpasteurized, or raw, milk for human consumption varies dramatically across the globe, with regulations often depending on the country, or even the specific state or province within a country.

By law in most places, all commercially sold yogurt is made from milk that has been pasteurized, killing harmful bacteria. However, the sale of unpasteurized yogurt, also known as raw yogurt, is not banned nationwide but is subject to state-specific regulations and is typically sold directly from farms or through herdshare programs.