Home / Health / Alberta Municipality Fights for Legalization of Raw Milk Sales
Alberta Municipality Fights for Legalization of Raw Milk Sales
17 Nov
Summary
- Alberta municipality seeks to allow on-farm sale of raw milk
- Raw milk banned in Canada since 1991 due to health concerns
- Proponents argue raw milk is already being sold, needs regulation
In November 2025, the Municipal District of Greenview in northwestern Alberta is moving a resolution at the upcoming Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention to ask the federal government to allow the on-farm sale of raw or unpasteurized dairy products. Buying and selling raw milk in Canada has been illegal since 1991 due to concerns over food-borne illnesses.
Reeve Ryan Ratzlaff of Greenview says many people within the community are already consuming unpasteurized milk, despite the risks. The resolution requests that sale of raw milk be "under specified conditions" to informed consumers, and that provinces be allowed to develop frameworks including producer food safety training, labelling requirements, traceability, and on-farm oversight.
Proponents of raw milk argue that the product is growing in popularity, and that regulation would make it safer. However, the Alberta government and health experts maintain that pasteurization is a critical public health measure, and that raw milk poses significant risks. The debate continues as the Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention approaches.
