No. Raw milk sales are prohibited in New Jersey under the state’s dairy laws, which classify it as adulterated unless pasteurized. The New Jersey Department of Health enforces strict prohibitions, aligning with FDA standards. Direct-to-consumer sales remain illegal despite occasional legislative attempts to legalize herd-share programs.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in New Jersey
- Statutory Ban: N.J.S.A. 24:10-1 et seq. explicitly prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption, classifying it as adulterated under N.J.S.A. 24:10-17.
- Retail Restrictions: Grocery stores, farmers markets, and licensed dairies cannot legally sell raw milk. Violations may result in civil penalties or criminal charges under N.J.S.A. 24:10-21.
- Herd-Share Loopholes: While herd-share agreements exist in some states, New Jersey’s Division of Food and Drug Safety has not recognized them as compliant. The 2024 Dairy Industry Act amendments reinforced this stance, closing potential loopholes.
Local health departments, including the Camden and Newark divisions, actively monitor compliance, conducting routine inspections of dairy farms. The New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, in coordination with the Department of Health, has signaled no intent to amend the ban ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Consumers seeking raw milk must rely on neighboring states or private agreements, though these carry legal and health risks.