It's important to understand that raw milk can be a source of foodborne illness. While good practices on farms can reduce contamination, they cannot guarantee safety from harmful germs. Pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks of raw milk consumption.

Unpasteurized milk, cheese and other dairy products may contain harmful pathogens and are not safe to eat, drink, or use in making foods. It is a violation of federal law enforced by the Food and Drug Administration to sell raw milk packaged for consumer use across state lines (interstate commerce).

The pasteurization of raw milk ensures that all of the potentially harmful bacteria that is often in the milk mixture are killed, such as salmonella. However, pasteurizing raw milk also removes much of its naturally occurring nutrient content. The only state where there is no legal way to obtain raw milk is New Jersey.

Minnesota law, found in Minnesota Statutes 32D. 20, restricts the sale of raw milk for human consumption; however, it does provide an alternative for people who want to consume raw milk. On an occasional basis, consumers may go directly to dairy farms to purchase raw milk directly from the farmer.