These states allow raw milk to be sold in retail stores (grocery stores, health food stores, etc.), making them the easiest places for the public to access raw dairy.
Pennsylvania is widely considered one of the most “raw-milk friendly” states in the country. While many neighboring states have strict bans, Pennsylvania has a long-standing, robust system that allows you to find fresh, farm-cold milk in a variety of convenient ways.
1. The Legal Pathways in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a “Permit State,” meaning the government allows the sale of raw milk as long as the farmer follows specific safety rules. This makes Pennsylvania Raw Milk Laws some of the most progressive in the Northeast.
Retail & On-Farm Sales
What this means for you: You can legally buy raw milk at the farm or in a retail grocery store. Pennsylvania allows farmers with a “Permit to Sell Raw Milk for Human Consumption” to sell their products directly to you at the farm gate or to ship them to retail stores and health food shops (31 P.S. § 652). If you see raw milk on a shelf in a PA health food store, it is there legally under state oversight.
Herd Shares
What this means for you: You likely won’t need a herd share because retail sales are already legal. While “The Ownership Route” (herd shares) is a popular shortcut in states where sales are banned, it is less common here. However, some farmers who prefer not to participate in the state permitting system may still offer herd shares. The state generally treats these as private contracts, provided no “sale” of milk is occurring (7 Pa. Code § 59a.403).
The “Pet Food” Loophole
What this means for you: Some farms sell “for animal use only” to provide products the state permit doesn’t cover, like raw cream or butter. Under Pennsylvania Raw Milk Laws, a standard raw milk permit only covers fluid milk and aged cheese. To provide raw cream, butter, or yogurt, some farms obtain a commercial feed license to sell these items as “pet food” (31 P.S. § 646).
2. Safety & Standards: What to Look For
In Pennsylvania, the farmer and the state share the work of keeping your milk safe. To hold a permit, a farm must meet strict cleanliness standards that are often higher than those for pasteurized milk.
“Raw milk shall come from cows… determined to be free from brucellosis and free from tuberculosis… and shall be maintained at a temperature of 40°F or less until delivered.” (7 Pa. Code § 59a.406).
The Findingrawmilk.com “Quality Checklist” When browsing our Pennsylvania listings, keep an eye out for these gold standards:
- Lab Tested: Look for farms that do “voluntary” extra testing beyond the state requirements.
- A2/A2: Many PA farms focus on heritage breeds like Jerseys or Guernseys.
- Pasture-Raised: Ensure the cows are eating grass, which naturally boosts the milk’s nutrient profile.
State Bacteria Limits
For the technical-minded, the state requires that raw milk contains fewer than 20,000 bacterial colonies per milliliter and fewer than 10 coliforms per milliliter (7 Pa. Code § 59a.408). In plain English: The farmer checks to make sure the cows are healthy and the milk is clean.
3. Important Consumer Tips for PA Residents
- Look for the Permit: If buying at a store or farm, look for a posted “Permit to Sell Raw Milk.” This tells you the state is regularly testing that farm’s water and milk quality.
- Check the Label: PA law requires raw milk to be labeled with the name and address of the producer and the words “Raw Milk” (7 Pa. Code § 59a.410).
- Pro-Tip: Pack a Cooler: Even though PA stores keep milk refrigerated, the drive home can warm it up. To keep your milk tasting sweet and fresh for 7–10 days, bring a cooler with ice packs for the trip home.
4. Official Government Resources
For the most up-to-date information on Pennsylvania Raw Milk Laws, you can contact the primary regulatory agency:
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services https://www.agriculture.pa.gov
- PA Milk Sanitation Program Phone: 717-787-4315
5. State-Specific FAQ Section
Question: Is it legal to buy raw milk in Pennsylvania? Answer: Yes. Pennsylvania is one of the few states where it is 100% legal to purchase raw milk for human consumption from permitted producers (31 P.S. § 652).
Question: Can I buy raw milk in grocery stores? Answer: Yes. Licensed farmers are allowed to sell their milk to retail stores, provided the store handles the milk according to state sanitation codes (7 Pa. Code § 59a.401).
Question: Are herd shares allowed in PA? Answer: Yes. While the state prefers the permit system for sales, herd shares exist as private ownership agreements between consumers and farmers.
Question: Can I buy raw butter or cream in PA? Answer: Usually, no—not for human consumption. The standard PA raw milk permit only covers fluid milk and hard cheese. You will often find these other products labeled as “Pet Food” or through private farm clubs.