INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Got raw milk? 

Raw milk may be coming to a shelf near you. 

Dozens of state and federal bills pushing for the legalization of raw milk sales and distribution across state lines have been introduced during the current legislative session.

Raw milk is milk that comes directly from an animal. Pasteurization involves heating milk to kill any illness-causing bacteria present. Supporters of raw milk believe pasteurization affects the nutritional benefits of milk, though research has not confirmed this. 

Experts are concerned, as research has shown that foodborne illness outbreaks are more than 3 times as likely in areas that permit the sale of unpasteurized milk.

Those consuming unpasteurized milk and heavy cream are at increased risk of being infected with E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter.

Symptoms that infected individuals may experience include fever, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and body aches. These infections can also lead to more severe diseases, including kidney failure from hemolytic uremic syndrome, paralysis from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and death. Pregnant persons consuming unpasteurized milk are at increased risk of miscarriage. 

Children under 18 are commonly affected by unpasteurized milk consumption. In 2024, unpasteurized milk products from a California dairy farm infected 170 people across four states, and 70% were under 18 years of age.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against raw milk consumption.