Permits and legalize the sale of raw milk.

Raw Milk Sales Bill – Rhode Island

This bill would make it legal to sell raw milk in Rhode Island. Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized, meaning it has not been heated to kill potentially harmful bacteria. Currently, the sale of raw milk is not permitted in Rhode Island, and this bill would change that by allowing farmers or producers to sell it directly to consumers.

The bill would primarily affect dairy farmers, grocery stores, farm stands, or other food sellers who might want to offer raw milk as a product, as well as consumers who wish to purchase it. Supporters of raw milk argue it has nutritional benefits and that consumers should have the freedom to choose it. However, health agencies like the FDA and CDC have noted that raw milk can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness — particularly in children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

At this point, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, which has scheduled it for a hearing. The committee has recommended it be "held for further study," meaning lawmakers are not yet ready to move it forward and want more time to review the proposal before taking action.