Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 day ago
Pediatricians call for US ban on raw milk sales amid rising popularity
The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for a ban on selling raw, unpasteurized milk in the United States.
The call comes as more Americans drink it and recent disease outbreaks have raised concern among public health officials.
Pasteurization heats milk to destroy harmful germs, and public health officials say the process helps keep people safe.
The FDA says there is no evidence for claims that raw milk eases lactose problems, cures allergies or boosts immunity.
US rules have banned interstate sales of raw milk since 1987, but sales within a state depend on its laws.
Raw milk sales rose 17.6% in 2024, according to market research firm Circana.
The pediatricians’ call adds to the debate over raw milk’s safety, but no next step on a ban is stated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics called for a ban on raw milk sales in the United States.
The call comes as raw milk becomes more popular and public health officials warn of disease outbreaks linked to it.
Raw milk sales rose 17.6% in 2024, according to market research firm Circana.
Doctors say influencers, Robert F Kennedy Jr’s past promotion of raw milk and distrust of regulators have helped drive interest.
The FDA says claims that raw milk reduces lactose issues, cures allergies or boosts immunity are unsupported by evidence.
- Who
- The American Academy of Pediatrics called for a ban on raw milk sales.
- What
- The group called for a ban on sales of unpasteurized milk in the United States.
- When
- Last week, according to the article.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- Recent disease outbreaks tied to raw milk have alarmed public health officials.
American Academy of Pediatrics and public health officials
Raw milk producers and advocates
Safety
American Academy of Pediatrics and public health officials
They say pasteurization helps keep people safe and raw milk can carry pathogens that cause illness.
Raw milk producers and advocates
Producers say pasteurization eliminates flavor and health benefits.
Health benefits
American Academy of Pediatrics and public health officials
The FDA and public health groups say there is no evidence for claims that raw milk reduces lactose issues, cures allergies or boosts immunity.
Raw milk producers and advocates
Advocates point to studies they say indicate farm milk may protect against asthma and allergies.
US businesses began using pasteurization to destroy pathogens and bacteria in milk.
The FDA banned the interstate sale and distribution of raw milk.
Raw milk sales increased by 17.6%, according to Circana.
The American Academy of Pediatrics called for a ban on raw milk sales in the United States.
- AAP call
- Ban on sales of unpasteurized milk in the United States
- Raw milk sales growth
- 17.6% in 2024, according to Circana
- Federal rule
- The FDA banned interstate raw milk sales and distribution in 1987
- Creambrook Farm
- Sells raw milk in Virginia through a herd-share arrangement
- Farm sales growth
- Ben Beichler said sales rose 30% to 50% annually since 2020
What people are saying
I’m concerned about people consuming raw milk because while it isn’t a guarantee that you will get sick from it, there is a relatively high likelihood that you can get a pathogen, a bacteria that will make you sick
Since 2020, his sales have increased between 30% and 50% annually
Sources
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