Cody’s Hippy Cow Creamery found success by sharing raw milk lattes with friends. The word quickly spread, prompting co-owner Sadie Howard to add the drinks to their menu. However, a Wyoming Department of Agriculture health inspector has now ordered them to stop selling these popular drinks, claiming they lack proper permits and pasteurization.
Tyler Lindholm, the former state representative who helped create Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act, disagrees. He argues that the law allows such drinks to be sold and sees the inspector’s actions as an overreach. Earlier this year, Lindholm also opposed the state’s decision to shut down WyFresh Farm’s meat sales for not having a required license.
Howard explained that the inspection started with concerns over prepared foods containing meat. Soon, the inspector focused on their espresso bar, where they serve lattes made from their own raw milk. The inspector said they must pasteurize the milk to sell lattes on-site but could prepare them at the farm beforehand and then sell them.
“If we pre-make the drinks at our farm and bring them to our store, we can do that,” Howard said, though customers still must mix their drinks themselves. This confusion has led to a cease-and-desist order on all coffee sales.
Lindholm has voiced his frustration, claiming the inspector misinterpret the law. He noted that the Food Freedom Act allows producers to sell homemade products at various locations, including retail spaces. “I can’t see where this inspector is coming from,” he said.
In terms of food safety, it’s important to note that while frothing heats milk, it doesn’t reach temperatures suitable for commercial pasteurization. This raises questions about potential health risks, as certain bacteria could survive the lower temperatures.
The Wyoming Department of Agriculture has acknowledged the ongoing discussions with Hippy Cow Creamery, emphasizing the serious nature of food safety. “We enforce laws as written to protect consumers,” said agricultural spokesman Derek Grant.
Howard believes that the landscape of milk consumption has changed since the days when pasteurization was crucial due to unsanitary farming conditions. She asserts that raw milk can be beneficial for local communities. “Small farms and small dairies are good for the economy and health,” she said.
Public health experts remain cautious, noting that raw milk can still carry harmful pathogens. Whether this ban will lead to changes in local health laws remains uncertain. However, the conversation has reignited interest in the balance between food safety, consumer choice, and the needs of small businesses. The future of establishments like Hippy Cow may depend on how legislators and regulators address these challenges.
For further reference on food safety regulations, you can check the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s official guidelines here.
