(Prairie News Service) North Dakota has joined the raw-milk movement. The state now allows limited sales of the product, and officials are urging caution for consumers who plan on drinking it. 

In recent years, dozens of states have loosened restrictions regarding the sale of unpasteurized milk amid vocal demand. Those wanting broader access say it tastes better and comes with extra health benefits. 

But the Food and Drug Administration says those claims don't outweigh the risks, including disease-causing pathogens. 

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring echoed those concerns.

"Nothing's changed in 200 years," said Goehring. "TB, brucellosis, all those things are still present and they could be transmitted through the milk."

He said the biggest concern is for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and the immunocompromised. 

This year, the state Legislature passed a law that allows producers to sell raw milk directly to consumers, but retailers and wholesalers are still banned from any involvement. 

And the legal sales only relate to the liquid form of raw milk, and not products such as cheese and yogurt.

As for sellers, Goehring predicted it will largely consist of smaller farms with only one or two cows looking for some extra income. He encouraged those individuals to be mindful of the risks, as well. 

"If someone were to get sick from their product, and then all of a sudden, it becomes a big issue," said Goehring. "It just puts the dairy operation in a bad place."

Anyone who becomes sick does have the option to take legal action. 

Sellers are urged to contact an insurance agent, but Goehring said getting liability coverage might be tough unless you go to great lengths to show you're trying to keep bacteria at bay. 

Under the law, the state Agriculture Department is exempted from regulating sales of raw milk.