For the Record': The Battle Over Raw Milk

A series of government raids on raw milk producers has ignited a debate between food safety and the right to eat whatever you want.

Raw milk is different from most milk sold in grocery stores because it has not been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills bacteria that may be present, but critics say it also removes nutritionally beneficial substances.

The laws on raw milk vary — in eight states plus the District of Columbia, it is illegal to sell for any purpose, while it is entirely legal in nine others. The other 33 states have varying limitations to the sale of raw milk.

For the Record spoke with the owner of a Kentucky "herd share" whose facility was raided by the Department of Health. He fought back and ultimately won.