Program Manager: Ben Thomas, [email protected], 801-982-2263
What is raw milk?
Raw milk and raw milk dairy products include milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, etc. that have not undergone pasteurization, a heat treatment process that kills harmful bacteria. While some consumers value raw milk for perceived health benefits, it is important to understand the associated risks and regulations.
What does pasteurization do to milk?
During pasteurization, milk is heated to kill germs that cause illness (usually 161°F for at least 15 seconds). This process does not significantly change the nutritional value of milk. Additionally, most dairy processors fortify pasteurized milk with vitamins, including Vitamin D and Vitamin A, to enhance the nutritional profile.
2024 marked 100 years of milk safety regulation in the U.S. Learn more about pasteurization from the U.S. dairy industry.
Licensed raw milk producers in Utah:
The following dairies are permitted to legally sell raw milk and raw milk products in Utah:
Business Name | Dairy Types | Address | Phone Number |
---|---|---|---|
Drake Family Farms | Goat | 1856 W Drake Farm West Jordan, Utah 84084 | 801-255-1615 |
Finney Farm | Cow | 1320 N Canyon Street Hildale, Utah 84784 | 435-383-8633 |
Harmony Homestead | Cow | 3792 W 3600 N Corinne, UT 84307 | 208-440-7304 |
Milk Barn Creamery | Cow | 185 N Commercial Street Suite #1 Morgan, Utah 84050 | 801-450-6951 |
Redmond Farms | Cow | Various | 801-592-5118 |
Springbrook Dairy | Cow | 1295 S Main Street Springville, Utah 84663 | 801-376-4998 |
Sweet Deseret Farm | Goat | 9500 S Hwy 89 Willard, Utah 84414 | 801-392-4771 |
Utah Natural Meat and Milk | Cow | 7402 S 5490 W West Jordan, Utah 84081 | 801-718-8103 |
Health and safety advisory:
Consuming raw or unpasteurized milk products may pose serious health risks. Most illnesses caused by raw milk are mild, but some can be severe, leading to hospitalization and death. Infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness. For your safety, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food strongly recommends that all milk products be pasteurized to a temperature of 160°F before consumption to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria.
Raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products can contain dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and others. Currently, there is limited research about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) in raw milk. However, it may be possible to become infected after consuming raw milk that contains HPAI virus. For information on HPAI in dairy cattle, visit here.
As noted in the Utah Dairy Act (Utah Code 4-5-503(3)(e)(ii)), “raw milk products, no matter how carefully produced, may be unsafe.” For more information about safety, see this raw milk fact sheet from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. To report an illness, go to igotsick.health.utah.gov
To reduce risks associated with raw milk:
- Purchase raw dairy products only from licensed producers who comply with Utah’s safety standards
- Heat milk to 161° for at least 15 seconds
- Keep raw dairy products refrigerated at 40° or below
- Consume raw dairy products before the expiration date
- Wash hands after handling raw dairy products
Report a concern:
If you suspect a raw milk producer is not complying with Utah’s regulations contact the UDAF Dairy Program at [email protected] or (385) 266-0883. If you experience illness after consuming raw milk products, report an illness to igotsick.health.utah.gov.
For more information on producing and selling raw milk in Utah, visit here.
For more information on outbreak response, including dairy permit suspension and reinstatement, visit here.