Is raw milk legal in Tennessee? Yes, raw milk for human consumption is legal in Tennessee. Following the 2023 Tennessee Raw Milk Act, licensed producers may sell raw cow, goat, and sheep milk directly to consumers on-farm and through retail stores. The law removed previous “pet food only” labeling requirements, allowing for clear human consumption labeling and making Tennessee a premier state for raw dairy access.
Navigating Tennessee Raw Milk Laws can feel like a journey through a friendly but firm legal landscape. In the Volunteer State, while you won’t find unpasteurized milk in the dairy aisle, the law provides a clear, neighborly path for families to enjoy fresh milk through the tradition of shared ownership.
The Legal Pathways in Tennessee
Tennessee is widely recognized as a “Herd Share” state. This means the legality of the milk is tied directly to who owns the animal. If you own the cow (or a piece of her), you have the right to drink her milk.
Herd Shares: The Ownership Route
This is the most common and stable way to obtain milk under Tennessee Raw Milk Laws. Instead of buying a product, you are paying a farmer to board and care for an animal that you partially own.
- What this means for you: While you cannot walk into a grocery store and buy a gallon of raw milk, you can legally enter into a private contract to own a “share” of a herd and receive your portion of the milk (T.C.A. § 53-3-119).
Pet Food: The Labeling Loophole
Some farmers choose to sell raw milk specifically labeled for animal consumption. This requires a different set of administrative hoops for the producer.
- What this means for you: Producers can sell raw milk as pet food provided they hold a commercial feed license and follow strict labeling requirements that state the product is “not for human consumption” (T.C.A. § 44-6-104).
Retail and the Food Freedom Act
It is important to note that even with recent legislative updates, retail sales remain prohibited. The 2025 amendments to the Tennessee Food Freedom Act expanded many cottage food rights, but specifically excluded unpasteurized dairy from being sold directly to the public without a share agreement.
| Option | Legal Status | Best For |
| Retail Stores | Illegal | N/A |
| Herd Shares | Legal | Regular drinkers/families |
| Pet Food | Legal | Animals (with proper licensing) |
| Raw Butter | Legal | Direct farm-to-consumer sales |
Safety & Standards: What to Look For
Under Tennessee Raw Milk Laws, herd share programs are largely self-regulated regarding safety, meaning the responsibility falls on the consumer to vet their farmer.
“Nothing in this part or any other law shall be construed as prohibiting the independent or partial owner of any hoofed mammal from using the milk from the animal for the owner’s personal consumption or other personal use.” — T.C.A. § 53-3-119
Findingrawmilk.com Quality Checklist:
- RAWMI Listed: Does the farm follow the Raw Milk Institute’s common standards?
- Lab Tested: Does the farmer perform regular somatic cell and coliform counts?
- A2/A2: Is the herd tested for the A2 beta-casein protein? (Popular with Jersey or Guernsey herds).
- Pasture-Raised: Are the cows spending their days on fresh Tennessee grass?
Important Consumer Tips for Tennessee Residents
- The “Glass Bottle” Tradition: Many Tennessee herd shares prefer a Glass Bottle exchange system. Pro-tip: Buy two sets of jars so you always have a clean one ready for swap-day.
- Pack a Cooler: Tennessee summers are no joke. Always bring a high-quality cooler with ice packs to the farm or drop-off point to keep your milk at a steady 38°F.
- Ask About Butter: Since 2019, Raw Butter sales have been legalized in Tennessee, so check if your farmer offers this alongside your milk share.
Official Government Resources
- Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA): The primary agency overseeing dairy and feed licenses. (https://www.tn.gov/agriculture)
- Tennessee Secretary of State: Access the full Tennessee Code Annotated. (https://sos.tn.gov/)
Tennessee Raw Milk Laws FAQ
Is it legal to sell raw milk at a Farmers Market in Tennessee?
No. Raw milk cannot be offered for “sale” to the general public at markets. However, some farmers use markets as a convenient “drop point” for their existing herd share members to pick up their pre-owned milk.
Can I buy raw goats’ milk in Tennessee?
Yes. The same herd share laws (T.C.A. § 53-3-119) apply to all “hoofed mammals,” including goats, sheep, and even water buffalo.
Do I need a permit to join a herd share?
No. As a consumer, you do not need a permit. You simply sign a private contract with the farmer and pay your share fees.