Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in Washington under strict state oversight. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) regulates raw milk sales through licensed dairies, requiring compliance with dairy safety laws and periodic inspections. Retail sales are prohibited, but herd-share agreements and on-farm purchases remain legally viable pathways for consumers.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Washington
- Licensing and Inspections: Only licensed dairies may sell raw milk, subject to WSDA inspections at least twice annually. Dairies must meet sanitation standards outlined in WAC 16-165, including milking facility hygiene and animal health monitoring.
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Retail sales of raw milk are banned under RCW 69.38.015. Consumers may purchase raw milk directly from farms via herd-share agreements, where ownership of the animal is shared, or through on-farm sales with volume limits (≤ 2.5 gallons per transaction).
- Labeling and Testing: Raw milk must bear a WSDA-approved label warning of potential health risks, including pathogens like E. coli and Listeria. Mandatory testing for coliforms and somatic cell counts is required biweekly, with immediate suspension of sales if violations occur.