Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in Maryland under strict conditions.
Raw milk is legal in Maryland but only through herd-share agreements or on-farm sales, with Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) oversight. Direct retail sales remain prohibited, and producers must comply with 2026 MDA testing protocols for bacterial counts and somatic cell levels.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Maryland
- Herd-Share Agreements Required: Consumers must enter into private agreements with licensed dairy farmers to obtain raw milk, bypassing retail channels. MDA mandates annual registration of these agreements.
- On-Farm Sales Only: Direct sales from licensed farms are permitted, but distribution to stores or restaurants is illegal. MDA inspects farms bi-annually for compliance with sanitation standards.
- 2026 Testing Mandates: New MDA regulations effective January 2026 require monthly testing for E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, with somatic cell counts capped at 750,000 cells/ml. Failure triggers immediate suspension.