In a significant development in the U.S. dairy landscape, Ballerina Farms raw milk sales have been suspended amid concerns from state health inspectors and an ongoing legislative push in Utah to change the way unpasteurized milk is regulated and sold. The pause highlights the complex balance between consumer demand for unpasteurized dairy products and food safety protocols set by agricultural regulators.
The brand, developed by a family-run farm with a large national social media presence, drew attention last year when it introduced raw milk to its offerings at new farm stand locations. But recent health inspections revealed elevated levels of certain bacteria in product samples, prompting the farm to remove unpasteurized milk from its shelves while it reviews production practices and infrastructure.
This story is unfolding at the same time lawmakers in Utah are debating bills that could substantially alter how raw milk producers operate, raising questions about oversight, public health risk and the future of raw dairy sales in the state.
Why Raw Milk Matters and What Changed at Ballerina Farms
Raw milk — milk that has not undergone pasteurization to eliminate pathogens — is legal to sell in some states, including Utah, under specific regulatory conditions. For producers who choose to offer it, there are mandatory testing requirements intended to ensure bacterial levels stay within safe limits.
In the summer of 2025, Ballerina Farm began selling raw milk at its newly opened farm stand in the Kamas Valley after expanding from online-only product sales into brick-and-mortar retail. However, routine state testing in late May and early June detected higher-than-allowed counts of coliform bacteria in samples taken from the farm’s raw milk. Coliform bacteria are a broad group that includes strains associated with foodborne illness, which is why regulators monitor these levels closely.
Following the test results, the farm chose to stop offering raw milk for sale. Instead, it shifted focus back to pasteurized milk and dairy products while it reassesses its facilities and quality control processes. Representatives for the farm have said that producing raw milk safely requires specialized infrastructure, and that their current dairy setup is more suitable for pasteurized dairy processing. Plans to build a separate facility designed specifically for raw milk production are reportedly under consideration.
Inside Utah’s Legislative Debate on Raw Milk Regulation
The Ballerina Farms situation has come at a moment when several pieces of legislation in the Utah State Legislature are poised to change raw milk regulatory frameworks. Currently, producers who sell raw milk must hold state permits, undergo regular testing, and comply with oversight intended to prevent contaminated products from entering commerce.
One pending bill would eliminate the permit requirement entirely and replace it with a simple notification system for producers intending to sell raw milk. Another would recategorize unpasteurized milk as a homemade food product, effectively removing it from the routine scope of state regulatory oversight. A third bill under consideration would allow third-party resale of raw milk but also impose stricter penalties for producers whose products fail safety standards. The combination of these measures could transform how raw dairy is produced, tested and sold in Utah, by shifting more responsibility to producers themselves while reducing direct regulatory enforcement.
Supporters of the proposed legislation argue that existing regulations can be burdensome for small farms and that easing certain requirements could encourage local food production and economic growth. Opponents emphasize that robust oversight is essential for public health and that reducing safeguards could make it harder to track down and prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.
Raw Milk Safety and Public Health Perspectives
Public health agencies and food safety experts have long cautioned that raw milk carries a higher risk of harboring pathogens than pasteurized dairy. Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria — which can be present in unpasteurized milk — have the potential to cause serious illness, especially among vulnerable populations like young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
For that reason, many state health departments recommend pasteurization as a critical safety step. In the Ballerina Farms case, officials noted that any raw milk exceeding bacterial limits must be pulled from sale and may trigger additional regulatory action if deficiencies are not corrected. By removing unpasteurized milk from its offerings after test results showed elevated bacteria levels, the farm complied with these safety expectations while it evaluates how best to move forward.
Community and Industry Reaction to the Change
News that Ballerina Farm temporarily halted raw milk sales has generated discussion among both supporters and critics of unpasteurized dairy. Some consumers who prefer raw milk products expressed disappointment at the removal, while others noted the importance of meeting safety standards before offering such products. The broader raw milk community — a mix of small farmers, raw food advocates, and consumers — is closely watching the legislative hearings in Utah and how proposed changes could impact producers nationwide.
Industry observers say the intersection of regulatory reform and public health concerns represents a pivotal moment for raw milk producers. If Utah passes bills that reduce oversight, other states may consider similar changes. This could increase availability of raw milk products but also raise questions about consistency in safety testing and accountability.
The Broader Context of Raw Milk Laws in the U.S.
Across the United States, raw milk regulations vary widely. Some states allow retail sales of unpasteurized milk with specific labeling and safety requirements, while others limit sales to on-farm purchases or prohibit them altogether. Legal arrangements like herdshares — where consumers buy a share of a cow or herd and receive milk indirectly — exist in some states to navigate regulatory restrictions.
The ongoing legislative session in Utah reflects these broader debates about how best to support agricultural businesses while protecting consumers. As public interest in farm-to-table products and local food sourcing grows, policy makers are grappling with how to adapt regulatory frameworks that have traditionally prioritized food safety on a statewide or national scale.
What Comes Next for Ballerina Farms and Raw Milk Producers
For now, Ballerina Farm continues to offer pasteurized milk and dairy products at its retail locations while it charts a course forward for any potential future raw milk offerings. The farm’s experience has underscored both the challenges of producing unpasteurized dairy safely and the scrutiny that comes with high-profile brand recognition.
Meanwhile, Utah’s legislature is advancing bills that could reshape how raw milk is regulated, tested and sold. Some measures have already moved through committee stages, but others remain under review as stakeholders on both sides present testimony and amendments are debated.
Producers and consumers alike are likely to watch closely as the session progresses. Should the state adopt regulatory changes that reduce oversight and empower producers, it may set a precedent that influences raw milk policy discussions across the country. Conversely, if public health concerns lead legislators to tighten requirements further, the industry could face more stringent standards for unpasteurized dairy production.
With raw milk once again in the spotlight, what do you think this means for the future of dairy regulation and consumer choice? Share your perspective as this story continues to evolve.
