Representatives Massie & Pingree Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Allow Interstate Traffic of Raw Milk

Press Release

Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announce the introduction of H.R. 4835, the Interstate Milk Freedom Act. This bill prohibits federal interference with the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products that are packaged for direct human consumption.

It's legal to drink raw milk in 50 states. It is legal to sell raw milk in 38 states. Congress has never passed a ban on raw milk. Yet, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a regulation banning the interstate sale of raw milk in capitulation to a lawsuit that was decided in 1986.
"Federal agencies, such as the FDA, that are part of the executive branch do not and should not have the power to shut down trade between peaceful farmers and willing consumers. It is Congress's job to legislate," said Rep. Massie. "Our Interstate Milk Freedom Act would make it easier for families to buy milk of their choice by reversing the criminalization of specific dairy farmers."

"So many people across the country want to make sure their food is fresh and local--including fruits, vegetables, and even their milk," said Rep. Pingree. "Raw milk is currently the only food banned for interstate commerce--an onerous regulation that hurts small farmers for selling milk straight from their cows to the consumer."

The Interstate Milk Freedom Act simply says that if two states have legalized the sale of unpasteurized milk, then no federal department, agency, or court may take any action to prohibit or restrict the interstate traffic of milk between those two states. This bill would prohibit the federal government from interfering with the interstate traffic of raw milk products between states where distribution or sale of such products is already legal.

This legislation was introduced as an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill. It was also introduced as a standalone bill in 2014, 2015, and 2019.
Original cosponsors of H.R. 4835 also include Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Scott Perry (R-PA), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), and Chip Roy (R-TX).

Massie owns 50 head of cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.

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