Yes, raw milk sales are legal in West Virginia under strict conditions. The state permits direct-to-consumer sales from licensed dairy farms or retail stores, but only if the milk is labeled “raw” and complies with West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) sanitation standards. A 2024 WVDA rule update requires annual pathogen testing and farm inspections, aligning with FDA guidelines but imposing additional state oversight.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in West Virginia
- Licensing Requirement: Producers must obtain a WVDA-issued raw milk permit, renewable annually, after passing facility and operational inspections. Unlicensed sales, even at farmers’ markets, are prohibited under WV Code §19-1-4.
- Labeling Mandates: Containers must display “RAW MILK” in bold, 12-point font, alongside warnings about potential health risks, including bacterial contamination. Labels must also include the producer’s permit number and processing date.
- Distribution Limits: Sales are restricted to the producing farm or licensed retail establishments within West Virginia. Mail-order or interstate distribution remains illegal, per WVDA’s 2026 compliance directive enforcing intrastate-only transactions.