Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act relating to raw milk, by providing for the production of raw milk at certain dairies, the manufacture of products using raw milk, and the labeling and distribution of raw milk and manufactured products, and making penalties applicable.

Subcommittee members: Jones-CH, Hora, Kurth

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Time: 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Location: RM 304

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

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02-27-2023

Erik Cleveland []

When I live in Hawaii, I made use of raw milk for many years. Raw milk is a wholesome, unprocessed, health food that is beneficial for people of all ages. I really like the taste of raw milk. I found raw milk to be beneficial for my health. When I make yogurt from unheated raw milk, the yogurt turns out very good. When I try to make yogurt from pasteurized milk, the yogurt turns out very poorly. If you don't believe me, try it yourself. There is a difference between raw milk and pasteurized milk. I don't use pasteurized milk since it is a processed food and harder to digest. Raw milk contain enzymes and other factors that help keep pathogen (bad bacteria) from causing problems. Raw milk is as safe or safer to drink than pasteurized milk.

02-27-2023

Erik Cleveland []

Raw milk is as safe or safer to drink than pasteurized milk. Raw milk has enzymes, beneficial bacteria and other factors that help to keep raw milk from spoiling. Pasteurized milk does not contain these protective factors, which means that pasteurized milk can spoil. A study conducted in Hawaii showed that pasteurized milk can develop high bacterial counts with storage at the grocery. The article was entitled, Microbiological Quality of Pasteurized Milk in Hawaii. The article can be found at: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/panr/writing.php?id=278 .

02-27-2023

DeAnn Cline []

Please support HF338 Raw Milk sales in Iowa. It is time to let Iowans legally buy and sell raw milk and raw milk products. Quality raw milk is healthy. Those of us who seek to purchase raw milk are discerning and know what we want from our farmer. It's time to tell the dairy lobbyists and socalled "experts" to pack sand. I'm not buying what they are selling. The government should not get between the farmer and the consumer.

02-27-2023

Grace Castro []

Raw milk is a necessity in my families lives. It is a wonderful health food with so many benefits. Our 3 kids cannot tolerate pasteurized milk or its glyphosate filled alternatives. Please make this happen.

02-27-2023

Jessica Barton []

Before moving to Iowa, I used to get raw milk so easily and from anywhere! I had no clue that when I moved here to Iowa that raw milk was illegal. What a shame. It has blessed me and my family on SO many occasions. It has many health benefits. It is NEEDED here! Please, please, PLEASE allow raw milk to be sold here. Iowa is one of only a very few states left in the entire USA that doesnt allow it to be sold. Its time to get with the times! Its time to listen to the people!

02-28-2023

Autumn Harris []

I support HF338! Iowans like me want the freedom to choose what we purchase and consume. Big government is reaching too far when they prevent Iowans from buying or selling raw milk and raw milk products. Please support this bill to makeRaw milk selling and purchasing LEGAL in Iowa.

02-28-2023

Britt G []

I moved to Iowa from Texas. I had a local source of raw cow milk. My family drank raw milk from the small farm with now Ill effects. It is also legal to sell raw milk for animal consumption and soap production in Texas. Would love to see the same opportunities in Iowa. I support this bill.

02-28-2023

Keela Moats []

Everyone should have access to the superfood of raw milk. It is superior in every way to pasteurized milk. Many people including my children cannot tolerate pasteurized milk that has had all the beneficial enzymes killed, yet raw milk is not a problem for them. We are thankful to live in Iowa, but are saddened that this product that we love can be easily procured in almost all other states, but not our own. Please pass this bill.

02-28-2023

Cheryl Adams []

I grew up in Iowa, love Iowans, but am extremely disappointed that we are one of only 5 states who dont allow FREEDOM to choose the much healthier, unprocessed, pure raw milk, thats not been stripped of its lifegiving, healing nutrients. Milk is obviously ultraprocessed for longer shelf life & higher profits. Passing this bill will finally show that we Iowans really care about peoples health & freedom more than about dairy industry profits & politics!

02-28-2023

Kristi Dyson []

I support this bill. My Texan son and his Iowan wife and their babies recently moved to Iowa from Texas where they were getting raw goats milk. My grandson was totally breastfed but wasnt getting satisfied and they started supplementing with GM. He was thriving well. I believe that the pasteurization and homogenization destroys good and bad stuff leaving the milk hard to digest. Please make raw milk available for my family. Thank you

02-28-2023

Melissa Kelley []

I have 4 kids. Some of which cannot tolerate pasteurized milk. When we lived in SD we had a milk man and they drank raw milk regularly. Since moving to Iowa we have been told drinking milk the way we want to us against the law. Please stop the nonsense and allow people to buy and sell raw milk. Its benefits outweigh the risks. Our bodies our choice??

02-28-2023

Jen Player []

Please pass HF338.There are so many families who need this bill to pass to ensure their children can get the nutritional benefits raw milk provides. Especially for those with allergies and intolerances to pasteurized milk. Please provide this opportunity for your Iowa families.

02-28-2023

Yolanda Hardesty []

So glad weve finally made it this far. Hear the peoples pleas to allow the sale/use raw milk in our state. Our tummies, our kids tummies, and our right to decide whats best for our family matters.

02-28-2023

Eric Checketts []

I support this bill. When I lived in other states where raw milk was legal, I regularly drank raw milk and loved itand hand no ill effects or issues of any sort. People should be free to make this choice for themselves.

02-28-2023

Madelaine Williams []

I don't care for raw milk, but Iowa's producers should be able to sell their product to willing consumers who have the right to purchase what they choose. Bring Iowa up to date with the rest of the country and surrounding states. Pass the raw milk bill!

02-28-2023

Brian Deeds [None]

I support this bill we drink raw milk and prefer it over other milk because it is easier on my stomach mi grand son who is in diapers has less diaper rash when he drinks it and want to support those who make it available for us thanks Brian

02-28-2023

Jelyn Miller []

I support the HF338 Raw Milk Bill. Please let this pass. The LOCAL food culture including farm fresh, homegrown, locally raised products is important and Iowans want access to these! We want farm fresh raw milk.Having a local food culture is especially important these days with the breakdown of supply chains and transporting products thousands of miles. Local is best. Local production and economy is better for the environment, for lower energy consumption, for better quality products being small batch (not to mention usually higher nutrition just being fresh) and for local small businesses and farmers. Local is best for the community. Let us start with access to fresh milk!Raw milk has so many health benefits! Gut health is so important. How microbes affect mental health to vitamin absorption and digestion is just the tip of the iceberg. Fresh milk is antiinflammatory and benefits lowering overall inflammation. Raw milk is one important way to aid and support beneficial microbes and a healthy gut biome. It is a more potent and viable probiotic. Please build resilience and independence into Iowa. Support food freedom. Make communities strong. Please listen to those you represent.