Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in North Carolina but under stringent conditions. The state allows intrastate sales of raw milk directly from farms to consumers, licensed under the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), while prohibiting retail distribution. Recent 2026 compliance shifts mandate stricter labeling requirements and annual farm inspections to mitigate foodborne illness risks.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in North Carolina
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales Only: Raw milk may only be sold on-farm or at farmers’ markets, with no retail distribution permitted under NCDA&CS regulations.
- Mandatory Licensing: Producers must obtain a “Milk Producer License” and comply with NCDA&CS dairy sanitation standards, including regular testing for pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.
- Labeling & Warning Requirements: Containers must display a conspicuous warning: “This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria,” per NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division guidelines.