(The Epoch Times)—Two Ohio state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it easier for people to buy raw milk, describing it as a “matter of liberty.”
Earlier this month, state Reps. Kellie Deeter and Levi Dean, both Republicans, introduced House Bill 406, which would allow farmers to sell raw milk directly to customers. The proposed legislation would not permit retail sales or deliveries.
“We’ve legalized marijuana, but we have restrictions for getting raw milk. That needs to change, and that is the purpose of this bill,” Deeter told The Epoch Times.
Ohioans should be “free to choose whether they want to drink raw milk or not,” Dean told The Epoch Times.
“We live in a state where you can choose to drink alcohol, you can choose to use tobacco, you can choose to use marijuana, and all of those are perfectly legal, but yet, raw milk is too dangerous for us, apparently,” Dean said.
“It makes no sense that the government would say all of these things are fine, but raw milk is a step too far.”
The Food and Drug Administration defines raw milk as “milk from cows, sheep, or goats that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria.”
Pasteurization involves heating a liquid product to kill bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that drinking raw milk is risky.
Selling raw milk is illegal in Ohio unless the user signs a herd share agreement, which involves buying a share of a cow or a herd for their boarding and management. Consumers can also buy the product from farms and stores that label it as “pet milk” and not for human consumption.
The proposed bill would require customers to sign a liability waiver stating that they understand the risks of drinking unpasteurized milk. Sellers would be required to test once a month for harmful bacteria that can be found in raw milk and discard batches that test positive.
Raw milk sellers would get a license through the state’s Director of Agriculture. Dairy farmers in Ohio must already follow this regulation, which includes inspections of their facilities.
The consumption of raw milk is growing in the United States. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he drinks raw milk daily.
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which encourages people to eat locally produced food and avoid ultra-processed food, has contributed to the popularity of raw milk consumption.
Legislator Voices Objections
Ohio state Rep. Anita Somani, a Democrat who’s an OB-GYN, told a Columbus TV station that the bill would take Ohio “backwards” in public health.
“Ingesting raw milk and those types of bacteria, it may not impact someone who is healthy,” Somani said. “At minimum, they may end up with diarrhea, or nausea, or vomiting. For somebody who’s immunocompromised, somebody who’s pregnant, it can be devastating.”
States have a wide range of raw milk regulations. Some allow retail purchases in stores, and others permit sales only at farms or through herd shares.
In North Dakota, for example, a law took effect on Aug. 1 that legalized direct-to-consumer sales of raw milk products. Producers can now sell raw milk to consumers for personal use, but it can’t be sold to wholesalers or retail stores, and it can’t be donated.
Legalizing raw milk would allow the state to ensure the product is safer since residents are already drinking it through herd share agreements and containers labeled as “pet milk,” Deeter said.
“The more I looked into the issue of raw milk, it became more apparent to me that we should just legalize and appropriately regulate it because it is nonsense the way it is done now,” Deeter said.
Stephanie Stock, executive director of Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, told The Epoch Times that her organization “has always supported an individual’s right to make health and food choices they feel are in their best interest.”
“This includes the right of Ohioans to choose to drink raw milk as a more natural alternative to processed dairy,” she said.
Stock noted that the testing and licensure requirements make the proposed bill more likely to pass.
Michael Kilpatrick and his wife, Savannah Kilpatrick, own Farm on Central, an urban farm in southwest Ohio that operates as a private, farmer-to-consumer membership organization.
When “produced responsibly,” Michael Kilpatrick said, raw milk offers significant benefits that outweigh the risks for many people, especially compared with the industrialized pasteurized milk system we have today.
“Direct farmer-to-consumer sales empowers informed choices while cutting out the middlemen who historically caused the problems,” Kilpatrick said in support of HB 406.
“Ohioans deserve access to this nutrient-dense food. Let’s support policies that prioritize real food over outdated fears.”
The bill awaits a committee assignment and a hearing. The Ohio Legislature returns in September.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.