Why don't I sell raw milk as pet food? After all it's "legal"

 

Why Rebel Hollow Farm Does Not Sell Raw Milk for Human Consumption

At Rebel Hollow Farm, we believe in honesty, education, and protecting the future of our family farm. For that reason, we do not sell raw milk labeled “for pet consumption only” as a workaround for human consumption.

In Tennessee, selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal. Some farms sell it labeled for pets, but once it is understood — spoken or unspoken — that it is being consumed by people, the farm is no longer protected under the law.

If someone becomes ill after drinking raw milk, medical professionals are required to report it. At that point, the State can pursue prosecution, regardless of whether the customer intended to file a complaint. It becomes a regulatory issue — not a private agreement.

As a small Tennessee family farm, we cannot risk losing our land, livestock, and livelihood over something that is outside the law.

Is Raw Milk Nutritious?

Yes — raw milk is highly nutritious.

Raw milk contains beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and vitamins. Many people believe it supports gut health and is more natural than store-bought, heavily processed milk. In many ways, it is more nutrient-dense than conventional milk.

But here is the part that must be understood clearly:

Raw milk is also the perfect environment for bacterial growth.

Listeria and E. coli exist naturally in the environment. It only takes one microscopic bacterium hiding in a jar lid, milk pan, or transport container. In raw milk — with the right temperature, nutrients, and consistency — that single bacterium can multiply rapidly.

If consumed, it can cause what many would call “food poisoning.” Most healthy adults will recover in a few days.

However, not everyone is low risk.

  • A child under six who contracts E. coli can develop severe complications such as encephalitis or kidney failure. In rare cases, it can be fatal or cause permanent damage.

  • A pregnant woman exposed to harmful bacteria like Listeria or E. coli can suffer miscarriage or severe complications.

Last summer, during a discussion about raw milk, a doctor in the Knoxville area shared that two women in her practice had lost pregnancies within the previous year after consuming raw milk. These situations are rare — but they do happen.

If You Choose to Drink Raw Milk

If you personally choose to consume raw milk, it must be handled with extreme care:

  • It must stay below 41°F at all times

  • Transport it home in a cooler with ice packs

  • Refrigerate immediately

  • Consume it promptly

  • Do not allow it to sit at room temperature

Raw milk is not shelf-stable, ultra-pasteurized “white water.” It is a living product that requires careful handling.

Enjoy it for what it is — nutritious and flavorful — but respect the risks and handle it responsibly.

At Rebel Hollow Farm, our priority is raising high-quality beef and pork while protecting our customers, our community, and our farm for future generations.

We appreciate your understanding and your continued support of our farm-raised products.

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