Is Raw Milk Sales Legal in North Carolina?

Raw Milk Sales is legal with restrictions in North Carolina as of 2026. North Carolina allows the sale of raw milk only through herd-share agreements, not direct retail sales. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture regulates raw milk under 02 NCAC 52C .0100.

Raw Milk Sales is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in North Carolina

Raw Milk Sales is legal in North Carolina but with specific restrictions and regulations.

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Raw Milk Sales Laws in North Carolina: Quick Facts

  • 1 Legal Status: Raw Milk Sales is currently legal with restrictions in North Carolina.
  • 2 Possession: Individuals may possess raw milk obtained through herd-share agreements.
  • 3 Sale: Direct sale of raw milk is prohibited; only herd-share agreements are permitted.
  • 4 Age Restriction: None
  • 5 Penalties: Violations may result in fines and possible criminal charges under state food safety laws.

Detailed Legal Breakdown

Possession Individuals may possess raw milk obtained through herd-share agreements.
Sale Direct sale of raw milk is prohibited; only herd-share agreements are permitted.
Age Restriction None
Penalties Violations may result in fines and possible criminal charges under state food safety laws.
Pending Legislation None known

How Does North Carolina Compare?

Across all 50 states, Raw Milk Sales is fully legal in 6 states, legal with restrictions in 24 states, and illegal in 20 states. North Carolina is among the 24 states where it is legal with restrictions.

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Editorial Standards

This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.

Last verified: 2026-01-15 Sources cited below Updated when laws change

Source

Citation: North Carolina Department of Agriculture - Raw Milk Information

https://www.ncagr.gov/fooddrug/food/RawMilk.htm

Last verified: 2026-01-15

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