The Sinnema family dairy in Snohomish County near Silvana closed in the 1990s when prices dropped and expenses climbed.

But Jim Sinnema is back in business in a small way with his Old Silvana Creamery selling raw milk.

The Daily Herald reports ( http://bit.ly/XjwVuL) he has about two dozen cows and sells about 70 gallons a week from a farmstand and another 300 gallons a week in stores.

Health officials warn against drinking unpasteurized milk, but it has a following among people who believe it's healthier.

About 18 dairies in Washington produce raw cow's milk. Washington is one of only 11 states that allow retail and farm sales of raw milk.

Raw milk producers must be licensed. Containers carry warning labels.

Sinnema says his own family drinks the milk.

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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldnet.com