Real Raw Milk Facts

In 2009, two important public health sessions sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (pdf) and the International Association for Food Protection (pdf) were held to discuss emerging issues surrounding the increasing popularity of raw (unpasteurized, unprocessed milk). This website was inspired by discussions following the presentations. Many participants felt that there was a need for a website that addresses the complex issues surrounding raw milk science and policy. The website is also meant to serve as a clearinghouse for evidence-based studies, presentations, commentaries, regulations, and position statements on raw milk.

The content for this site was developed and reviewed by scientists and health educators in universities, government, industry, and professional organizations. We also solicited comments and materials from raw milk consumers. The News and Commentaries subsections are meant to inform readers of current events relating to raw milk, and do not represent an endorsement by the working group.

Real Raw Milk Facts is supported in part by Marler Clark, the nation’s foremost law firm with a practice dedicated to representing victims of food poisoning. The firm works actively with academia, industry, government, and consumer groups to end foodborne illness.

Comments and suggestions are welcome!

Real Raw Milk Facts Working Group

Russell Currier, DVM, MPH, Dipl., ACVPM, Iowa State Public Health Veterinarian (retired) and President, American Veterinary Medical History Society

Katherine Feldman, DVM, MPH, Dipl., ACVPM, Co-Organizer, AVMA Raw Milk Symposium and Past President, American Association of Public Health Veterinarians (2008-2010)

Mary J. Gilchrist, Ph.D., Diplomate, American Board of Medical Microbiology, Professor, (Retired) University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Director (Retired) William A. Hinton Laboratory Institute, Boston Massachusetts

Michele Jay-Russell, DVM, PhD, Dipl., ACVPM, Co-Organizer, AVMA Raw Milk Symposium and Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California, Davis

Jeffrey LeJeune, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVM, Associate Professor, Extension – Food Safety, Ohio State University

Richard Lerner, DVM, MPH, American Association of Public Health Veterinarians

William Marler, JD, Managing Partner, MarlerClark, LLC

Mary McGonigle-Martin, MS, Member of Safe Tables Our Priority (STOP) and advocate for Center For Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention (CFI)

Michael Payne, DVM, PHD, Program Director, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program and Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California, Davis

Amanda Rose, PhD, Raw Milk Consumer, Author and Writer for The Ethicurean

John Sanders, DVM, Dipl., ACVPM, Past President, American Association of Public Health Veterinarians (2006-2008)

Ron Schmidt, PhD, Professor emeritus, Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida

Patti Waller, MS, Epidemiologist, MarlerClark, LLC

Katherine Waters, DVM, MPH, Dipl., ACVPM, Food Science Extension, University of Minnesota

Kathy Ley, board member of Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention (CFI)

Real Life Dangers of Raw Milk

Several families offered to share their stories on video to help raise awareness about the potential risks and negative effects on health from drinking contaminated raw milk.

Real Life Stories