PA Farm News
May 6, 2008
Raw Milk
Sales
Legal in
PA With
Permit
HARRISBURG -- Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff reminded Pennsylvanians that sales of raw milk and aged, hard cheeses made from raw milk are legal in Pennsylvania with a permit and inspections for public health. Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized. Pennsylvania farms selling raw milk must be permitted and have samples of their milk laboratory tested due to the health risks associated with the unpasteurized products.
Wolff said the public can find a list of permitted, legal raw milk sellers in Pennsylvania at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/pafoodsafety.
“Pennsylvania, unlike some states, allows the sale of raw milk and certain raw milk products,” said Wolff. “We recognize the potential risks associated with raw milk, and have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians. That means ensuring that all raw and pasteurized milk sellers, regardless of their customer base, are meeting the standards of the law.”
The Department of Agriculture inspects dairy farms for cleanliness and sanitation, and requires testing be done on both the cows and milk for harmful bacteria.
Dairy farmers can obtain the free permit from the Department of Agriculture after passing inspections and tests showing they meet the requirements of the law.
HARRISBURG -- Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff reminded Pennsylvanians that sales of raw milk and aged, hard cheeses made from raw milk are legal in Pennsylvania with a permit and inspections for public health. Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized. Pennsylvania farms selling raw milk must be permitted and have samples of their milk laboratory tested due to the health risks associated with the unpasteurized products.
Wolff said the public can find a list of permitted, legal raw milk sellers in Pennsylvania at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/pafoodsafety.
“Pennsylvania, unlike some states, allows the sale of raw milk and certain raw milk products,” said Wolff. “We recognize the potential risks associated with raw milk, and have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians. That means ensuring that all raw and pasteurized milk sellers, regardless of their customer base, are meeting the standards of the law.”
The Department of Agriculture inspects dairy farms for cleanliness and sanitation, and requires testing be done on both the cows and milk for harmful bacteria.
Dairy farmers can obtain the free permit from the Department of Agriculture after passing inspections and tests showing they meet the requirements of the law.
POSTED 080506_0800 ET
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