For those looking for detailed information on the safety and health benefits of raw milk, we suggest the following documents:

Basic information about the health and safety of raw milk:

• A Campaign for Real Milk PowerPoint (9.4MB PPT) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, September 2011 Update
• Fresh, Unprocessed (Raw) Whole Milk: Safety, Health and Economic Issues (An Overview) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, 2009

Responses and rebuttals to FDA:

• Updated Rebuttal to 2011 FDA article “Raw Milk Misconceptions and the Danger of Consuming Raw Milk.” Raw milk is SAFE, nutrient-rich, and should be available to consumers. (310KB PDF) Prepared by Rita Marianna, PhD for the Weston A. Price Foundation, May 2019.
• Rebuttal to FDA Article “Raw Milk Misconceptions and the Danger of Raw Milk Consumption” (362KB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, March 2012
• Response to the Testimony of John F. Sheehan (428KB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, March 4, 2012
• Response to the FDA: A Point-by-Point Rebuttal to the Anti-Raw Milk PowerPoint Presentation by John F. Sheehan (3.4MB PDF), by the Weston A. Price Foundation, November 2007 (with links to FDA slides updated August 2010)
• FDA and CDC Bias Against Raw Milk– No Facts Provided in Recent Reminder about Raw Milk Consumption, Press Release, March 12, 2007
• Rebuttal to FDA Position on Raw Milk, Press Release, April 11, 2003

Responses to attorney William Marler (including an analysis of all published studies claiming illness caused by raw milk):

• Full response: Raw Milk: What the Scientific Literature Really Says (1.1MB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, October 30, 2008
• Summary: Response to Anti-Raw Milk Position Paper by Bill Marler, JD (274KB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, October 30, 2008
• Response to Marler Blog: Revisiting the Bias in the CDC Studies (68KB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation

Responses and rebuttals to others:

• Response to the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium, Inc., April 10, 2014 press release
• Does Raw Milk Kill Pathogens? A Response to Position Paper by Amanda Rose (324KB PDF) by Ted Beals, September 2009 (Also here as web page)
• Experts Defend Bacteria in Raw Milk: Court Testimony (334KB PDF), Organic Pastures Dairy Company and Claravale Farm, Plaintiffs, vs. State of California and A.G. Kawamura, Secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture, Defendants, April 25, 2008
• Response to Anti-Raw Milk Article Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases in January 2009 (132KB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation
• Response to Letter from Ted Elkins, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (171KB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, May 23, 2006
• Summary of CDC Report on Raw Milk Outbreaks, 1998-2005 (80KB PDF) by the Weston A. Price Foundation, January 12, 2009

Spreadsheet of Outbreaks from Pasteurized Milk

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Those of us who regularly enjoy delicious, cream-topped raw milk at home know that it can be problematic to keep the good stuff in supply when traveling to another state. Because every U.S. state sets its own laws on the selling of raw milk to the public, those who want to continue drinking raw milk during a visit to another state must do some research beforehand.

Fortunately, it is now possible to obtain raw milk in 43 out of 50 states, largely thanks to the tireless work of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) and the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF). The seven remaining states may soon join the rest of the country, with new legislation being introduced each year. At RealMilk.com, which is managed by WAPF, consumers can find a summary of current laws and listings of milk providers in every state as well as several other countries. It is advisable to check back frequently for updates.

PLANNING AHEAD

In addition to RealMilk.com, there are other resources for finding local raw milk in advance of a planned vacation. For example, the Farm and Garden section of your local Craigslist (Craigslist.org) is an excellent way to find sources that would not otherwise be advertised. Just type “milk” in the search bar and see what comes up. Additionally, the Facebook group for WAPF members is a great way to find connections and information on local laws. Those planning to travel also can contact the WAPF chapter leader in the destination area. (Chapter leader contact information is listed in the back of the Wise Traditions journal and at westonaprice.org/find-local-chapter).

Ideally, one should start researching available options a couple of weeks before the travel date, as it may be necessary to place calls or exchange emails with the milk supplier and arrange a pick-up date or time. It is frequently the case that milk is sold only one day a week at a market or during specific hours at a farm, or the supplier might only come into town on a predetermined day. Travelers who let suppliers know what their travel schedule is may be able to make special arrangements as needed.

Of course, raw milk is not always easy to obtain even in states where it is legal. Some states only legally allow suppliers to provide milk to members of a cowshare or herdshare, in which case the milk supplier may not be able to sell directly to out-of-state visitors. Other states may have restrictions that technically allow milk to be sold only for pets. Make sure to stock up on some milk for little Fido; it’s good for him, too! Or it might be necessary to be flexible and drink goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk during the vacation week (or vice versa, if goat milk is the usual drink of choice).

For those who are traveling to one of the seven states that do not currently allow the sale of raw milk (Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey and Rhode Island), it may still be possible to obtain it if the traveler is willing to arrange a meet-up at a state border or order from a buying club like Miller’s Biodiversity Farm (Amishbiofarm.com).

HAVE MILK, WILL TRAVEL

Another option is to bring milk from home. For travelers who are driving, fresh milk should stay viable in a cooler for twenty-four hours. Freezing milk for transportation purposes and then defrosting at the destination also works rather well. Sometimes the defrosted milk will have a different texture, but the taste and nutritional value are still comparable to the fresh version.

Those who are flying with an infant are allowed to bring milk onto the airplane, packed in bottles or in Ziploc freezer bags and stored in a cooler with ice packs. Travelers should be sure to tell the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent beforehand if they do not wish the milk to be scanned or irradiated. Otherwise, the milk is likely to be sent through the X-ray machine with the rest of the luggage. Note that there is no need to mention that the milk is raw or offer any other explanation about the liquids in question except that they are for the infant.

TURNING NECESSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY

Finding a raw milk source in a new locale can sometimes lead to fun adventures and new connections. Travelers may find themselves driving on back roads into an area of the state where normally they would not have gone. The farm one visits may end up being a destination in and of itself and may offer other delicious farm-fresh products that give the visitor a chance to taste the local terroir.

Recently, I was visiting my in-laws in Maryland and decided to explore the surrounding rural area. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the picturesque P.A. Bowen Farmstead, run by WAPF President Sally Fallon Morell, was just minutes from my in-laws’ house. We paid a visit to the farm shop to obtain some “Philander’s Pet Milk” as well as some of the farm’s famous cheeses and pastured beef. It’s a lovely historic area, and we found out the Morells even offer farm stays via Airbnb. For those visiting the Washington, D.C. area, the farm is worth a visit. Finding new milk sources can lead to interesting conversations with like-minded people and connections that could prove beneficial. It’s also a good way to help educate friends and family who may have misconceptions about the health value and safety of raw milk. While running the risk of developing a bit of a reputation (“Wait, you drink raw milk and you don’t use microwaves? Are you sure we’re related?”), there is also the possibility of winding up helping someone with unresolved health issues or so-called “lactose intolerance” by suggesting they give raw milk a try—they might just get hooked on it, too.

WORTH THE EFFORT

Travel can be hard on the microbiome and digestion in general. Making sure to load up on prebiotics (fibrous foods such as bananas) and probiotics (raw milk or cultured dairy products, as well as fermented foods) is a great way to ensure good health while dealing with travel’s added stresses to the system. However, some individuals may be unsuccessful in finding a raw milk source in advance of their vacation. Those who want to avoid the pasteurized version can consider trying a milk alternative (almond milk or coconut milk are preferable to soy). Drinking kombucha, kefir and other yogurt drinks is another way to maintain beneficial bacteria while traveling. Raw milk cheeses are also often available in specialty stores and they also travel well.

Note that prices may vary drastically from state to state. For example, in southern Oregon where I live, I pay six dollars a gallon for amazingly fresh, cream-topped raw milk (and often have it delivered!). In neighboring California, where one can find raw milk in many stores, visitors may find themselves shelling out sixteen dollars a gallon. The difference can be explained by the fact that I get mine from a lady up the road. There is no middleman and no regulatory interference. In California, raw milk is more readily available to the public, but the milk is FDA-tested and must be shipped, stored and properly packaged.

For those of us who understand the many benefits that raw milk can offer us and our families, or who have infants who rely on the Weston A. Price Foundation infant formula alternative, going out of our way to obtain raw milk when sojourning in another state is well worth the effort. Driving long distances, paying a little extra or dragging the family along on a muddy-shoes, back roads farm tour seems worthwhile after taking a swig of cold, fresh milk from a glass jar. The store-bought stuff can’t compare, and we know it!

Hopefully, with the continued efforts of the Weston A. Price Foundation and A Campaign for Real Milk, there will soon come a time when raw milk is much easier and simpler to obtain. In Europe, for example, vending machines dispense raw milk at the push of a button! There are over one thousand three hundred raw milk vending machines in Italy alone.1 In the meantime, while at home or on vacation, doing what we can to spread the message that raw milk is a healthy and not a dangerous food will help bring back the days when raw milk, or rather real milk, was the norm and not the exception.

About the Author

Jennifer Grafiada is a nutritional therapy practitioner (NTP), writer and Weston A. Price Foundation chapter leader based in southern Oregon. You can find her at JenniferGrafiada.com.

REFERENCES
1. “Raw milk machines are everywhere in Europe, why not USA?” https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/raw-milk-machines-everywhere-in-europe-whynot-in-the-usa-and-canada/.

WAYS TO FIND RAW MILK

• Realmilk.com/real-milk-finder/
• Westonaprice.org/find-local-chapter
• Agrilicious.org
• Craigslist.org
• The Weston A. Price Foundation Members Group on Facebook
• Farmers markets and farm stands

This article was first published in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming, and the Healing Arts, the quarterly publication of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Spring 2018 issue.

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Here is some additional information about how (and where) raw milk can be found and bought in France (as well as in Italy), thanks to some specific automatic distributors which can be accessed 24/7, offering the possibility to buy some ultra-fresh raw milk of the day (already chilled):

In France also, in some specific health food stores (“Satoriz”, among others), you can buy (two days per week) a wonderful organic fresh raw milk from grass-fed pastured Jersey cows produced (and compiled) by the following label:

Lait cru bio: lait cru entier de jersiaise non homogénéisé (absolutely delicious): http://www.bernardgaborit.fr/produits/au-lait-de-vache/58-cremerie-de-vaches/155-lait-cru-entier

See also: Le meilleur des produits laitiers – Entretien : Bernard Gaborit
http://www.satoriz.fr/infos-produits/le-meilleur-des-produits-laitiers-entretien-bernard-gaborit/

Bernard Gaborit – Le goût des produits laitiers
http://www.satoriz.fr/infos-produits/bernard-gaborit-le-gout-des-produits-laitiers/

The same farmer makes also a gorgeous raw (golden) butter:
Beurre cru doux bio, issu de crème crue de vache jersiaise
http://www.bernardgaborit.fr/produits/au-lait-de-vache/58-cremerie-de-vaches/161-beurre-cru-doux-bio

By the way, the plain yogurt that this farmer makes is one of the best I have ever eaten:
Yaourt nature bio au lait entier familial : le meilleur yaourt bio rapport qualité/prix
http://www.bernardgaborit.fr/produits/au-lait-de-vache/55-yaourts-de-vaches/118-yaourt-nature-bio-au-lait-entier-familial

Unfortunately, Bernard Gaborit does not make any “raw cream” (only pasteurized), but another “raw cream” can be bought via “La ferme du Crêt-Joli”, via the same aforesaid “Satoriz” shop:

La crème crue épaisse: http://blog.lecretjoli.fr/preview/la-creme-crue-epaisse/
They also have raw (organic) milk: http://blog.lecretjoli.fr/preview/nos-produits/
As well as raw organic butter: http://blog.lecretjoli.fr/preview/le-beurre/

Please note that this specific butter (from “La ferme du Crêt-Joli”) can only be bought through their own farm (it is not available in the healthfood shops)

Satoriz (health food shop) in Ferney-Voltaire (close to the border of Geneva) via bus F (to be taken at the ONU stop which is primarily reachable via tram 15):
http://www.satoriz.fr/satoriz/magasin-satoriz-ferney-voltaire/

Satoriz (health food shop) in Gaillard (close to the border of Geneva-Moillesulaz, but this shop remains more complex to be reached if you do not have a car, though a specific bus in France, i.e. number 6, can also lead you there among the dense car traffic (should the case arise, you would then need to get out at the closest stop named “Chatelaine”): http://www.satoriz.fr/satoriz/magasin-satoriz-annemasse/

Here is the shop in Geneva where you can buy some biodynamic (Demeter) raw milk:
http://www.bio-c-bon.eu/fr/nos_magasins/bio-c-bon-geneve
They receive the milk on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Here is the same shop in Nyon and Lausanne, but please kindly note that I have not checked (yet) whether they do have raw milk or not in their assortment:
http://www.bio-c-bon.eu/fr/nos_magasins/bio-c-bon-nyon
http://www.bio-c-bon.eu/fr/nos_magasins/bio-c-bon-lausanne

The “bio c’ Bon” biodynamic milk comes from this producer: http://www.sennerei-bachtel.ch/sennerei-bachtel.html

The same product can also be purchased online in Switzerland via those two webshops:
1. https://www.farmy.ch/fr-CH/lait-cru-demeter-1l
2. https://www.leshopbio.ch/lait-cru-demeter

The healthfood shop in Zurich main train station also sells the same aforesaid biodynamic (Demeter) raw  milk: http://www.eglibio.ch/content/filialen/zuerich/zuerich_plaza/index_ger.html

By the way, here is the weblink which leads to the detailed article devoted to raw camel milk: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lait_de_chamelle#Vertus_th%C3%A9rapeutiques

The aforesaid raw camel milk can be ordered online for quite an affordable price via this shop located in Holland: https://www.oasismilk.com/en/

On top of it, they even ship for free (via express courier) to Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany as long as you can order for a minimum amount of €70. Nevertheless, please note that shipping to France is not free but it still remains quite reasonable. For instance, a shipping price of €23,00 is requested for 42 bottles of €4,20 / piece (= about 18.5 quarts on the whole) sent via courier called “DPD guarantee”. The bottles are shipped inside of a polystyrene box and the content is protected with carbonic dry ice. Unfortunately, they currently do not ship to Switzerland (yet) but, under arrangement, you can ask them to ship the parcel to France (near the Swiss border) and subsequently get it via one of the possible DPD “Hold for Pickup”:
http://www.dpd.fr/recherche_relais?lang=en

On the other hand, Swiss people who live near the German border can have their camel milk shipped for free via DHL. For instance. those who live in Basel can have their parcel shipped (for free) to the “Basel Lörrach DHL hold for pickup” (located in the “German part” of Basel).

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One farmer in Vermont experimented over the past year with fertilizing his pastures with raw milk and was so impressed with the results that he raved about his experience in an article on Mother Earth News.

He noted that his cows, that wouldn’t graze on pastures recently spread with manure, had no objection to grazing on pastures recently sprayed with raw milk. At first he didn’t notice a difference in his pastures but within several months his pastures were more lush and healthier with a higher percentage of white clover and fewer weeds.

“Surplus milk and milky rinse water should be viewed as a resource rather than a waste product on the dairy arm,” he writes. Read more about his experience The Benefits of Using Raw Milk as a Natural Soil Supplement or Fertilizer.

The Campaign for Real Milk is a project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education non-profit based in Washington, D.C. To learn more about raw milk and other nutrient dense foods, attend one of the upcoming Wise Traditions conferences.

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