Raw Milk Advocates Gaining Momentum in Washington

Rep. Thomas Massie Republican of Kentucky
Rep. Thomas Massie Republican of Kentucky

Anti-government libertarians and left-wing liberals are joining together to promote several laws which will allow the interstate sale of raw milk, something that has been illegal for decades.

The trend in many states over the past several years has been to allow unpasteurized milk to be sold directly to consumers; a practice that the Food and Drug Administration believes is a health risk. Nevertheless, there are already at least 25 states allowing raw milk for sale within their states. And now, as the movement for food freedom gains momentum, there is a push to allow unpasteurized milk to be sold across borders of states where both states allow raw milk for sale to the public.

Representative Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, has introduced two bills to nullify the ban on the interstate sale of raw milk. The first bill is the “Milk Freedom Act of 2014” which simply overturns the interstate ban on raw milk, while the second bill, the “Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2014” will allow interstate shipment of raw milk exclusively between two states where raw milk is already legally sold.

“It’s nice to see that people are now advocating for their right rather than science,” said Baylen Linnekin, executive director of Keep Food Legal. Keep Foods Legal describes themselves as “the first nationwide membership organization devoted to food freedom—the right of every American to grow, raise, produce, buy, sell, share, cook, eat, and drink the foods of their own choosing.”

Massie also believes that the main issue here is one of freedom of choice:

“Today, many people are paying more attention to the food they eat, what it contains, and how it is processed. Raw milk, which has been with us for thousands of years, is making a comeback among these discerning consumers,” he said. “Personal choices as basic as ‘what we feed our families’ should not be limited by the federal government.”

Jason Elsman

Jason Elsman is a periodic contributor to Left Justified, bringing his business knowledge and background to the publication. With 15 years on Wall Street, Jason offers a unique perspective on the business world as it impacts the political landscape. Jason also has a special fondness for history, and will write on this subject when the urge compels him Find Jason at carl(at)leftjustified.com.

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