Ron Paul, libertarian congressman from Texas, has introduced a bill (HR 1830) to legalize the sale of raw milk across state lines–i.e. in interstate commerce.  Below is his statement about the bill.  First, check your facts about raw milk at www.realrawmilkfacts.com; see a listing of raw dairy outbreaks and recalls from last year; or view several videos of people sickened by raw milk. 

Hard as it is to believe, the federal government is actually spending time and money prosecuting small businesses for the “crime” of meeting their customers’ demand for unpasteurized milk! Recently the Food and Drug Administration conducted a year-long sting operation targeting Rainbow Acres Farms in Pennsylvania. As a result of this action, Rainbow Acres’ customers will no longer be able to purchase unpasteurized milk from this small Amish farm.

Mr. Speaker, many Americans who the government wishes to deny the ability to purchase unpasteurized milk have done their own research and come to the conclusion that unpasteurized milk is healthier than pasteurized milk. These Americans have the right to consume these products without having the federal government second-guess their judgment about what products best promote health. If there are legitimate concerns about the safety of unpasteurized milk, those concerns should be addressed at the state and local level.

I urge my colleagues to join me in promoting individual rights, the original intent of the Constitution, and federalism by cosponsoring my legislation to allow the interstate shipment of unpasteurized milk and milk products for human consumption.

Nothing like a constitutionally misguided kick to the shins of public health, to the benefit of just a few, to kick off a presidential bid.