I am buying raw milk through a “Cow Share” or “Farm Share” program. Should I be concerned if the farmer is not licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)?
Yes. The farmer needs to obtain a milk producer and milk processing license to sell raw milk or pasteurized milk through a cow share or farm share agreement. Raw milk is a potentially hazardous food product because of its ability to support illness-causing pathogen growth. Licensing services include technical assistance and inspections of the farm and milk bottling room to assure safe production and handling of the milk you will be consuming. Contact WSDA’s Food Safety Program at foodsafety@agr.wa.
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