American Academy of Pediatrics renews call for ban on raw milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics has renewed its call for a nationwide ban on the sale and distribution of unpasteurized milk and raw dairy, arguing that these products pose serious, well-documented risks - especially to children, pregnant people and the immunocompromised - while offering no proven nutritional or therapeutic benefits. The updated policy cites epidemiological evidence showing raw dairy consumers face dramatically higher rates of foodborne illness (more than 100 times the risk), recent outbreaks linked to raw cheese and other products in multiple states, and a resurgence of interest driven by wellness trends, influencers and organized sellers. Investigations have traced outbreaks to unregulated farms and highlighted weak enforcement in some states; one recent E. coli outbreak sickened 13 people, more than half children, and reporting found cases where toddlers were nearly killed after consuming raw goat milk.

The statement reiterates a 2014 position and expands its rationale to include new epidemiology and concerns that highly pathogenic avian influenza can contaminate unpasteurized milk. Federal law already limits interstate raw-milk sales, but most states allow in-state purchase or creative workarounds (including sales labeled as pet food), and some high-profile officials have publicly promoted raw milk. Advocates for stronger action, including warning labels and better outbreak tracking and funding, say prevention is the primary way to protect children’s health.