Yes, raw milk sales are legal in California under strict state oversight. Dairies must comply with CDPH licensing, weekly testing, and warning label mandates, with retail sales permitted only through licensed dairies or retail stores.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in California
- Licensing Requirements: All raw milk producers must obtain a permit from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which enforces compliance with the Raw Milk Safety Act (Health & Safety Code § 113500 et seq.).
- Testing Protocols: Dairies face mandatory weekly bacterial and pathogen testing (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria), with results submitted to CDPH. Violations trigger immediate suspension.
- Retail Restrictions: Sales are limited to licensed dairies or retail stores; herd-share agreements remain unregulated but operate in a legal gray area post-2023 court rulings.
California’s framework contrasts with federal policy, where the FDA bans interstate raw milk sales. The state’s approach reflects a 2026 CDPH proposal to tighten labeling requirements, including font-size specifications for safety warnings. Local health departments (e.g., LA County Public Health) conduct unannounced inspections, with penalties ranging from fines to permit revocation for non-compliance. Consumers should verify a dairy’s active license via the CDPH’s Milk and Dairy Food Safety database before purchase.