Mark McAfee, CEO of Fresno-based Raw Farm, is a prominent producer of raw milk and has recently been encouraged by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s transition team to apply for a role at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position would focus on raw milk policy and standards development, aligning with McAfee’s longstanding advocacy for the product.
Despite his willingness to take on the role, McAfee’s farms have recently faced significant scrutiny due to a series of recalls linked to H5N1 bird flu infections among his cows. The outbreaks led to quarantines and a statewide suspension of raw milk sales, raising questions about the safety and oversight of raw milk production.
McAfee’s farms are also embroiled in legal troubles, including lawsuits related to a salmonella outbreak that affected 171 people in California between late 2023 and mid-2024. Critics, such as food safety lawyer Bill Marler, have expressed skepticism about McAfee’s potential federal advisory role.
This controversy coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Kennedy to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees key health and safety agencies, including the FDA. Kennedy, an advocate for raw milk, has criticized federal restrictions on its interstate sales and is also a consumer of McAfee’s products.
Raw Farm, the largest raw milk producer in the U.S., operates under stringent state regulations in California, selling whole milk, cream, kefir, and cheese within state lines. However, FDA rules prohibit interstate sales of these products.
McAfee also markets pet food products containing raw milk outside California, bypassing human consumption regulations with clear labeling. His advocacy extends to the Raw Milk Institute, which supports farmers in adopting safe production practices. McAfee emphasizes high standards and testing, a commitment he says is necessary to make raw milk a viable and safe product for consumers.
Mark McAfee
McAfee’s efforts to ensure safety include rigorous testing of his cows and milk for pathogens like E. coli and salmonella, as well as maintaining stringent cleaning and chilling procedures. Despite these measures, health experts warn that raw milk inherently carries a higher risk of contamination.
Since 2006, Raw Farm has been involved in 13 recalls due to bacterial and viral contamination, some of which resulted in severe illnesses. The most recent salmonella outbreak predominantly affected children, highlighting ongoing public health concerns associated with raw milk consumption.
If selected for the FDA advisory role, McAfee intends to introduce a certification program similar to organic farming standards, emphasizing education, testing, and quality control for raw milk producers. He also advocates for revising food liability laws, arguing that excessive claims could stifle access to raw milk and other whole foods.
Additionally, McAfee proposes insurance programs for raw milk and other unprocessed foods, drawing parallels with USDA crop insurance. He believes such measures could mitigate financial risks for farmers while improving access to health-promoting whole foods.
McAfee’s vision for raw milk regulation reflects his belief in its health benefits and his desire to expand its availability. However, his controversial track record, marked by recalls and public health risks, complicates his candidacy for an advisory role.
The intersection of his advocacy, regulatory challenges, and ongoing lawsuits underscores the complexities of balancing public health concerns with promoting unpasteurized milk. McAfee’s potential role at the FDA would likely spark debate on raw milk policies and their implications for both producers and consumers.
