Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in Massachusetts under strict conditions, primarily through licensed herd-share agreements or farm operations. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) enforces compliance with 330 CMR 15.00, requiring annual inspections, herd testing for pathogens, and consumer disclosure of risks. Retail sales remain prohibited, but direct-to-consumer transactions via herd-share models are tolerated if structured as private agreements.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Massachusetts
- Herd-Share Agreements Required: Consumers must enter private contracts with licensed dairy farms, bypassing retail restrictions. MDAR mandates these agreements to include liability waivers and farm contact details.
- Mandatory Pathogen Testing: Dairies must test milk for E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monthly, with results submitted to MDAR. Failure triggers immediate suspension of sales privileges.
- Labeling and Disclosure Obligations: All raw milk containers must display MDAR-approved warnings about health risks, including pasteurization alternatives. Farms face fines for non-compliance under 330 CMR 15.05.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize digital tracking of herd-share participants, aligning with MDAR’s push for enhanced traceability amid rising consumer demand. Farms violating testing or disclosure protocols risk revocation of their raw milk permits.