Selling Raw Milk May Soon Be Legal In Michigan. Should You Try It?

For centuries, people have relied on three staples as their kitchen essentials: bread, eggs, and milk. These have functioned as the backbone of society, comprising the most essential ingredients, each representing important markets in both the economy and on the local level. However, milk is unique in that it undergoes an additional preparation process called pasteurization. 

Get our free mobile app

Raw milk straight from a cow or goat can contain harmful bacteria; therefore, before it is allowed in grocery stores, it must be heated for a specified period to kill the potentially dangerous bacteria. The CDC has repeatedly spoken out against drinking raw milk, listing the potential dangers on its website.

However, in recent years, consuming raw milk has become a growing trend, as some Americans seek less regulation over what they ingest. Some studies suggest that raw milk can be beneficial for gut health, as the lack of processing makes vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients more easily absorbable by the body.

READ MORE: Michigan Tree Chosen for White House Christmas Tradition

It's why Matt Maddock has introduced House Bill 5218, which would allow farmers to sell raw milk directly to consumers on their farms. It still wouldn't be allowed in grocery stores, but for those interested in purchasing raw milk, they could visit the farm and buy it directly from the farmer.

Farmers would have to adhere to strict labeling and sanitation practices to ensure the buyer knows it is raw, when it was milked, and that it was kept in a clean space. Additionally, it would need a "consume at your own risk" sticker.

If It's Bad, Why Legalize It?

It may come as a surprise to hear that it's already legal to consume and distribute raw milk, thanks to an arrangement called herdsharing. Someone "invests" in a portion of a herd, though the farmer takes care of the herd.

In exchange, the bill would aim to make this already allowed form easier to acquire for those who want it. There have been no updates on the bill's progress since it was introduced, but if it gains traction in the House, we'll update you here.

Would you try raw milk? Let us know.