Access is technically legal but heavily restricted—for example, only allowing goat/sheep milk, requiring a doctor’s note, or being sold only as “Pet Food.”
Navigating the landscape of Louisiana Raw Milk Laws has recently become a much more straightforward journey for local families and farmers alike. After years of being one of the most restrictive states in the country, Louisiana has modernized its approach, creating a regulated pathway that balances agricultural freedom with public health oversight.
For many years, accessing fresh, unprocessed dairy in the Pelican State was nearly impossible without personal ownership of a cow. However, the legislative landscape shifted dramatically with the passage of Act 699. This guide breaks down exactly how you can legally access raw milk today, what the “pet food” designation actually means for you, and how to ensure the milk you buy meets the state’s rigorous new safety standards.
Legal Pathways
The current legal framework for Louisiana Raw Milk Laws is a unique intersection of agricultural commerce and public health safety. While the state still maintains a prohibition on raw milk labeled for human consumption, it has opened a clear, regulated door for “Raw Pet Milk.”
1. The Pet Food Pathway (Primary Legal Route)
The most significant change to the Louisiana Raw Milk Laws came via Act 699 (HB 467). This law officially classifies raw milk as a “commercial feed.”
- What this means for you: You can now legally purchase raw milk from retailers or directly from farms, provided it is labeled and sold as pet food. This allows the product to be sold in a transparent, taxed, and regulated environment rather than an underground market [R.S. 3:1391].
2. Retail and On-Farm Sales
Unlike many states that limit sales to the farm gate, Louisiana allows raw milk to be sold in retail settings.
- What this means for you: You may find raw milk in local boutiques, health food stores, or directly at the dairy. Regardless of the location, it must bear a specific warning label: “WARNING: NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION – THIS PRODUCT HAS NOT BEEN PASTEURIZED AND MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL BACTERIA” [R.S. 3:1394(A)(14)].
3. Herd Shares
Herd shares remain in a legal “gray area.” While not explicitly banned by statute, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) historically discourages them.
- What this means for you: Most producers in Louisiana have moved away from the herd-share model in favor of the Commercial Feed License, as it provides a higher level of legal protection for both the farmer and the consumer.
Safety & Standards
Findingrawmilk.com believes that “Legal” should also mean “Safe.” Under the new Louisiana Raw Milk Laws, the state has implemented specific requirements that every consumer should verify before purchasing.
Findingrawmilk.com Checklist:
- Licensing: Does the producer hold a valid Commercial Feed License from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF)?
- Pathogen Testing: The law requires monthly testing for Salmonella by an accredited laboratory.
- Transparency: Producers must keep these test results for at least two years. As a buyer, you have the right to request and view these results at any time.
- Labeling: Look for the species-specific label (e.g., “Raw Cow Milk” or “Raw Goat Milk”) and the mandatory warning statement.
‘Official Word’ Box
“Before any feed is made available for sale, the registrant shall file… (14) If the feed is raw milk: (a) The express words ‘WARNING: NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION – THIS PRODUCT HAS NOT BEEN PASTEURIZED AND MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL BACTERIA’. (b) When pet food or specialty pet food consists of raw milk, the words, ‘Raw [Species] Milk’ shall appear conspicuously on the principal display panel.” — Louisiana Revised Statutes § 3:1394
Consumer Tips
Understanding Louisiana Raw Milk Laws is just the first step; being an informed consumer is the second. Because the milk is sold under a pet food designation, the onus of “due diligence” often falls on the buyer.
- Ask About the Diet: While the law covers bacterial safety, it doesn’t regulate what the cows eat. If you prefer grass-fed dairy, ask the farmer about their grazing practices.
- Verify the Cold Chain: Raw milk should be chilled immediately after milking and kept at or below 40°F. If buying at a retail store, ensure the refrigeration unit is holding a consistent temperature.
- Pro-Tip: Ask the farmer if they conduct “Standard Plate Counts” (SPC) or “Coliform Counts” in addition to the state-mandated Salmonella tests. Producers who go above and beyond the legal minimum are usually the most committed to cleanliness.
Official Resources
For those who wish to read the full text of the Louisiana Raw Milk Laws, please consult the following official government links:
- Louisiana State Legislature – RS 3:1391 (Commercial Feed Law)
- Louisiana Act 699 (The Law that Legalized Raw Pet Milk)
- Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part VII (Dairy Products)