Pediatricians Urge US Raw Milk Ban After 100 Illnesses and 11 Hospitalizations
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 11
Pediatricians Urge US Raw Milk Ban After 100 Illnesses and 11 Hospitalizations
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 11
Summary
The American Academy of Pediatrics last week called for a US ban on raw milk sales after recent outbreaks linked to unpasteurized dairy products.
More than 100 people were sickened this summer and 11 were hospitalized after consuming raw milk, while an E. coli outbreak tied to Raw Farm cheese in California, Florida and Texas hit mostly children age 3 and younger.
Doctors and the FDA say claims that raw milk eases lactose intolerance, cures allergies or boosts immunity lack evidence, and they argue pasteurization sharply reduced infant deaths by eliminating dangerous pathogens.
Raw milk demand has still climbed as influencers, Covid-era distrust of regulators and looser state rules widened its appeal; Circana said 2024 sales rose 17.6%, and one Virginia farm reported 30% to 50% annual growth since 2020.
Federal law has barred interstate raw milk sales since 1987, but many states still allow in-state sales or herd-share arrangements, leaving public health officials pushing to rebuild trust in long-standing milk safety rules.