Despite being a known advocate of raw milk, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not made any efforts to ease federal regulations or reverse official warnings against its consumption, as reported by Erik Carter for NBC News. When Kennedy assumed the role of health and human services secretary, supporters of raw milk were initially hopeful that he would champion their cause in Washington. Kennedy had expressed his support for raw milk, criticizing federal authorities for suppressing it among other foods and drugs. In a post-election statement, he hinted at ending the FDA’s alleged “war on public health.” However, Kennedy has yet to actively pursue this agenda, despite his broader initiatives to transform federal health agencies and promote healthier eating habits through his Make America Healthy Again campaign. This has left many raw milk advocates feeling disappointed and anxious. Raw milk, which has been flagged as unsafe for consumption due to the absence of pasteurization, has been prohibited from interstate sales since 1987. While Kennedy has spoken out in favor of raw milk and lambasted resistance from health officials, he has not taken tangible steps to relax regulations or reverse warnings against its consumption. This contrasts with his vocal campaigns against childhood vaccines and artificial food additives, which have been central to his efforts as secretary. Kennedy’s department did not respond to inquiries regarding his intentions. Mark McAfee, a prominent raw milk producer, had hoped to collaborate with Kennedy’s department to bolster support for raw milk farmers and increase consumer access. Despite initial communication, Kennedy has reportedly gone silent since his confirmation. In a recent report on children’s health endorsed by President Donald Trump, which emphasized the value of whole milk and unprocessed foods, there was no mention of raw milk. The FDA’s stance on raw milk has not changed, and the federal ban on its interstate sale remains in place. McAfee, in his efforts to engage the FDA, encountered resistance, indicating a continued opposition to raw milk within the agency. While public health agencies advocate for pasteurization as a crucial step to eliminate harmful bacteria in milk, there is a persistent belief in the safety and efficacy of vaccines despite Kennedy’s contrary views. The narrative surrounding raw milk as a risky product has endured, highlighting the ongoing debate between public health standards and individual preferences.
In Texas, there is a push to widen access to raw milk. Meghan Davis, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, acknowledges that federal warnings and restrictions on selling raw milk exist for valid reasons, stating that raw milk poses higher risks compared to other food items due to its potential to transmit harmful pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter.
Despite these concerns, raw milk advocates, such as McAfee, argue that the health benefits of consuming raw milk, such as promoting healthy gut bacteria, reducing asthma and allergies, and enhancing immune systems, outweigh the risks. However, the FDA has challenged these claims in a recent post addressing “raw milk misconceptions.”
Peg Coleman, a former Agriculture Department microbiologist and raw milk advocate, believes that federal agencies harbor a bias in favor of pasteurization and wants the Health and Human Services Department to rectify this by removing misleading information. Nevertheless, there is still a demand for raw milk, with people continuing to choose it for its perceived benefits.
While raw milk has gained popularity in various health circles, it remains prohibited for sale across state lines, with sales mainly restricted to on-site purchases in many states. Despite some states implementing their safety regulations, there are no federal standards or guidelines for raw milk producers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, raw milk consumption has been linked to numerous illnesses and hospitalizations over the years. This highlights the importance of further research to determine effective safety measures for raw milk consumption.
Overall, the debate over raw milk underscores the need for more comprehensive studies and regulations to ensure its safety for consumers.
In 2023, Raw Farm, a company owned by McAfee, faced several voluntary recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks. California officials traced numerous cases of salmonella to the raw milk produced by the company. Following this incident, McAfee stated that Raw Farm had implemented stricter testing procedures and established an on-site pathogen laboratory to prevent future issues. He acknowledged the problem, took responsibility, and made necessary improvements.
In a separate incident, Raw Farm recalled its raw milk due to a positive test for bird flu, although there were no reported infections linked to their products. McAfee emphasized that adherence to proper guidelines and testing can ensure the safety of raw milk consumption. He advocated for the establishment of safety standards by the federal government and proposed a plan to the FDA for developing guidelines for raw milk producers.
Despite McAfee’s efforts, the FDA declined his proposal, citing other priorities but expressing willingness to engage in dialogue with the raw milk industry. McAfee remains hopeful, supported by advocates like Kelsey Barefoot, a raw milk producer from North Carolina, who believes in the right to choose one’s food.
Barefoot, a former critical care nurse, overcame initial skepticism about raw milk and now produces it for herself. She works with the Raw Milk Institute, co-founded by McAfee, to promote safe raw milk production through rigorous standards and transparent testing protocols.
Advocates, including the MAHA movement, continue to push for change, hoping that officials like Kennedy will recognize the benefits of raw milk consumption. Sally Fallon Morell, of the Weston A. Price Foundation, recounted her interactions with Kennedy, who expressed a desire to consume raw milk again. Kennedy’s journey towards embracing raw milk was met with applause at a health conference, signaling a potential shift in perspective.
