Yes, raw milk sales are legal in Colorado under strict state oversight. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) permits licensed dairy farms to sell raw milk directly to consumers at the farm or through herd-share agreements, but prohibits retail distribution. Recent 2026 amendments to the Colorado Food and Drug Act tightened testing requirements, mandating monthly bacterial counts and somatic cell counts for licensed producers. Violations trigger immediate suspension under CDPHE’s Food Safety Program.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Colorado
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales Only: Licensed dairy farms may sell raw milk directly to consumers at the production site or via herd-share agreements; third-party retail sales remain illegal under Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-4-1603.
- Mandatory Testing Protocols: Producers must conduct monthly tests for E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, with results submitted to CDPHE within 72 hours of testing.
- Labeling and Consumer Warnings: All raw milk containers must display a CDPHE-approved warning label stating: “This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe illness.”