Despite numerous outbreaks and recalls of raw milk across the country and warnings from federal and state agencies about the potential dangers associated with drinking raw milk, demand is strong. And continues to grow.

A passionate lot, raw-milk advocates have a range of reasons for avoiding pasteurized milk. Many say they can drink raw milk without experiencing allergic reactions such as bloating and other digestive discomforts.  Others like that it often comes from family farms, in contrast to what they refer to as “factory farms.” Still others laud it for its alleged power to cure some common ailments.  And, most raw-milk consumers say that it just plain tastes better.

Officials claim the state made the right move by opening the door to raw-milk dairies if they are Grade A certified.  It’s a practical way of dealing with reality. If raw-milk sales are illegal, consumers will seek it out anyway, putting themselves and their families at risk.

Here’s the rub — raw milk requires more tests than conventional milk as it must also be tested for foodborne pathogens, in addition to the same quality-control tests performed on pasteurized milk.  These extra tests and the technicians required increase the need for funding in an already tight budget.

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