Representatives Thomas Massie, R-KY, and Chellie Pingree, D-ME, have again introduced a bill prohibiting federal interference with the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and raw milk products that are packaged for direct human consumption.
H.R. 7880, the Interstate Milk Freedom Act, would end the federal Food and Drug Administration’s ban on the interstate sale of raw milk in some instances.
“The Interstate Milk Freedom Act would make it easier for families to buy the milk of their choice by reversing the criminalization of specific dairy farmers,” Rep. Masse said.
“So many people across the country want to make sure their food is fresh and local — including fruits, vegetables, and even their milk,” said Rep. Pingree. “Raw milk is currently the only food banned for interstate commerce— an onerous regulation that hurts small farmers for selling milk straight from their cows to the consumer.”
If two states have legalized the sale of unpasteurized milk, the Interstate Milk Freedom Act would prevent federal departments, agencies, or courts from taking any action to prohibit or restrict the traffic of milk between those two states.
Congress has never specifically passed a ban on raw milk, but under authority granted to the FDA by Congress, a regulation banning the interstate sale of raw milk was enacted in 1986.
The further raw milk is transported from the farm, the greater the risk of harmful bacteria and the potential for severe foodborne illness. Without pasteurization, raw milk products can harbor dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter.
The language of the Interstate Milk Freedom Act isn’t new. It was introduced as an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill and as a standalone bill in 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2024.
Cosponsors of H.R. 7880 include Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-ME, Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-CO, Rep. Warren Davidson, R-OH, Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-WI, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-LA, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-SC, Rep. Scott Perry, R-PA, Rep. Chip Roy, R-TX, and Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-PA.
The text of the Interstate Milk Freedom Act is available at this link.
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