Tag: Raw milk laws

For decades, Australia's food safety regulations largely prohibited the sale of unpasteurized cheese for human consumption, a strict measure intended to prevent foodborne illness. This conservative approach has seen significant reform, with specific raw milk cheeses now permitted under stringent conditions that ensure public health and safety.

Federal law prohibits the interstate sale of raw milk, but regulations for intrastate sales are determined at the state level. These diverse state-by-state rules lead to a patchwork of legality, leaving many consumers confused about which states prohibit raw milk sales entirely.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1998 through 2018, there were 202 outbreaks linked to drinking raw milk, causing over 2,600 illnesses. This statistic highlights the public health concerns that underpin the varied and complex regulations surrounding whether milk straight from the cow is illegal.

While federal law prohibits the interstate sale of raw milk for human consumption, states retain the authority to set their own regulations for intrastate sales. This legal framework has created a patchwork of rules across the country, making it crucial for consumers to know in which states is raw milk legal and under what specific conditions.

With a growing natural foods movement, raw milk consumption has seen a significant resurgence, with sales increasing dramatically in some regions. Yet, health officials universally warn against its dangers. So, what is the point of raw milk, and does its appeal justify the potential health risks involved?

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the interstate sale of raw cheese is permitted in all 50 states, provided it has been aged for a minimum of 60 days. However, the laws surrounding the sale of raw *milk* vary significantly by state. This guide clarifies the federal rule and explains in what states is raw cheese legal for consumers.