Is it illegal to sell raw milk in California?

The Legal Landscape of Raw Milk Sales in California
In California, the sale of raw milk is not illegal, but it is heavily regulated. The state allows the retail sale of raw milk, which is defined as milk that has not undergone pasteurization. However, producers must adhere to strict guidelines and obtain the necessary licenses to sell raw milk legally.
Licensing and Regulations
To sell raw milk in California, dairy farms must be licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This licensing process ensures that the dairy operations meet specific health and safety standards designed to protect consumers. The regulations cover various aspects, including the sanitary conditions of the dairy farm, the health of the animals, and the cleanliness of the bottling facilities.
Health Considerations
The rationale behind these regulations stems from public health concerns. Raw milk can harbor harmful bacteria that pose significant health risks, including foodborne illnesses. The California Department of Public Health emphasizes the importance of these regulations to safeguard the well-being of consumers. Despite the risks, there is a growing demand for raw milk, driven by consumers who believe it offers health benefits that pasteurized milk does not.
Sales Channels
In addition to retail sales, California law permits the sale of raw milk directly from farms to consumers. This direct-to-consumer model allows for on-farm sales, provided that the farm complies with the state’s health and safety regulations. However, the volume of raw milk that can be sold and the methods of distribution are also subject to oversight.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is legal to sell raw milk in California, it is not without its complexities. Producers must navigate a regulatory framework designed to ensure safety and quality, reflecting the state’s commitment to public health. As consumer interest in raw milk continues to rise, the balance between access and safety remains a critical focus for regulators and producers alike.

Why is raw milk better for you?

Raw milk contains greater bioavailable nutrients than pasteurized milk, as well as a wide array of beneficial enzymes and probiotics which are known to have benefits on the immune system and gastrointestinal tract.

Can you sell raw milk as pet food?

There is a section in the model publication on feed terms which provides a definition for “milk”; the definition does not state that the milk must be pasteurized. Any state that adopts the feed terms section has legalized the sale of raw pet milk unless its statutes or regulations state otherwise.

Why do farmers sell raw milk?

One factor is the growing interest in natural and unprocessed foods, with some consumers believing that raw milk contains more nutrients and beneficial bacteria than pasteurized milk. Additionally, some people prefer the taste of raw milk or seek out locally produced foods for environmental or ethical reasons.

Can I give my dog raw milk?

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), those who consume raw milk are at risk of ingesting germs such as E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Brucella, Campylobacter, and Cryptosporidium. Any time you give your pet an uncooked product, you run the risk of them ingesting a pathogen.

What states is raw milk illegal in?

Drinking or otherwise consuming raw milk is legal in all 50 states. With the exception of Michigan, no state expressly prohibits the sale of raw milk as animal feed.

Do you need a license to sell raw milk?

States Where Raw Milk is Legal on Producing Farms
Twelve of those states—California, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, Arizona, and Connecticut—allow farm sales of raw milk with no license. The rest require a license to sell on the farm.

When did selling raw milk become illegal?

On August 10, 1987, FDA published a fi- nal regulation mandating the pasteurization of all milk and milk products in final pack- age form for direct human consumption. 8 This regulation banned the shipping of raw milk in interstate commerce and became ef- fective September 9, 1987.

Is raw milk legal in California?

California — Retail sales of raw milk are legal as well as sales of raw butter, cream, and kefir; a license is required.

Why is raw milk so good for you?

Raw milk, and especially raw milk from pastured animals [14], is a great source of calcium, iron, Vitamins A, D & K, phosphorus, zinc, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and omega-3 fatty acids, plus many beneficial enzymes and probiotics.

Is it illegal to transport raw milk?

In California, Arizona and Nevada, it is legal to sell and distribute unpasteurized dairy products for human consumption. The challenge also involves raw milk producers from Iowa, Illinois, the Carolinas and Washington State which were impacted by the interstate ban.