Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in Rhode Island under strict conditions.
Raw milk is legal in Rhode Island but only through herd-share agreements or licensed farm sales, with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) enforcing pasteurization requirements for commercial distribution. Recent 2026 compliance shifts require herd-share operators to register annually and submit milk testing protocols to RIDOH, aligning with FDA’s Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance standards. Direct-to-consumer sales remain prohibited unless sourced from licensed farms operating under the state’s Cottage Food Law exemptions.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Rhode Island
- Herd-Share Agreements Only: Raw milk may only be distributed via private herd-share contracts, not retail sales. Each shareholder must hold a direct ownership stake in the dairy herd.
- Mandatory Testing & Registration: Licensed farms must register with RIDOH annually and submit monthly bacterial and somatic cell counts. Positive E. coli or Salmonella results trigger immediate sales suspensions.
- Labeling & Handling Protocols: Containers must display “Raw Milk—Not Pasteurized” in 12-point bold font. Farms must maintain refrigeration logs and submit to unannounced RIDOH inspections.