Illinois Debates Loosening Raw Milk Restrictions Amid Federal Support

Raw milk advocates push for expanded sales, but state health officials warn of safety risks.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:53pm

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With the ascension of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and allies in the Make America Healthy Again movement, raw milk advocates have cheered on newfound support at the federal level. However, a turnaround is not likely in the cards in Illinois, as the state's Department of Public Health still heavily regulates and warns against the product, and a bill to loosen that regulation has received little to no support in the General Assembly.

Why it matters

Raw milk has not been heated or pasteurized to remove illness-causing organisms, so Illinois imposes strict limitations on its sale to protect public health. While some raw milk advocates claim it has health benefits, health officials warn it can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations. The debate highlights the tension between consumer choice and public health concerns.

The details

Illinois only allows raw milk to be purchased directly at state-regulated farms and not sold at grocery stores. Farmers like Matt and Jenna Kilgus of Kilgus Farms have seen a surge in raw milk sales during the pandemic, now selling over 800 gallons per week. State Sen. Jil Tracy has introduced a bill to expand the raw milk market, but it faces strong opposition from the Illinois Department of Public Health, which cites health risks and says pasteurization is crucial for safety.

  • In October 2026, Sen. Tracy introduced Senate Bill 2702 to loosen raw milk regulations.
  • Between 1998 and 2018, raw milk consumption was linked to 3 deaths, 2,645 illnesses, and 228 hospitalizations in the U.S.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The new U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and an ally of the Make America Healthy Again movement, who has voiced support for raw milk.

Jil Tracy

An Illinois state senator who introduced a bill to expand the raw milk market in the state, though it faces strong opposition.

Sameer Vohra

The director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, who has emphasized the importance of pasteurization and warned against the health risks of raw milk.

Matt and Jenna Kilgus

Farmers at Kilgus Farms in Fairbury, Illinois, who have seen a surge in raw milk sales during the pandemic, now selling over 800 gallons per week.

Terry Hoerbert

The owner of Little Brown Cow Dairy in Delavan, Illinois, who says some customers with dairy allergies can drink raw milk without reactions.

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What they’re saying

“There's always risk in the food industry with hazards of illness, some kind of foodborne illness. I certainly want every child or a person that would consume raw milk to be as safe as possible.”

— Jil Tracy, Illinois State Senator

“With the raw milk, there is a risk, but there are some standards in place that help minimize those.”

— Matt Kilgus, Farmer, Kilgus Farms

“Not taking care of the milk, not taking care of the cows ... you'd be squandering your reputation. Why would farmers want to do that?”

— Terry Hoerbert, Owner, Little Brown Cow Dairy

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between consumer choice and public health concerns when it comes to raw milk. While some consumers believe raw milk has health benefits, health officials warn of the significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations. The outcome of this legislative effort in Illinois could set an important precedent for how states approach raw milk regulations going forward.