Missouri Laws

Here is the information on buying raw milk and cream in Missouri.

Raw goat milk, cow milk, sheep milk, etc, is completely legal for you to buy in the state of Missouri. It always has been so. Mo. Statute # 196.935, the "Fluid Milk Law", states that " Only pasteurized graded milk may be sold at a grocery store, soda fountain, restaurant, or similar establishment, with the exception that an individual may buy and have delivered for his own use, raw milk and cream from a farm." The fluid milk law doesn't mention cheese or other products because it does not regulate those products. It is only about fluid milk.

The exceptions mentioned in the law are:

1. Graded milk is sold commercially, raw milk (ungraded) is sold to individuals.

2. Pasteurized milk is sold to restaurants, grocery stores, etc., raw milk is not.

3. An individual may buy raw milk for his own use directly from the farm where it is produced.

4. An individual may have raw milk delivered to a drop off point, to be picked up by the person it was intended for. Some states restrict delivery of raw milk, but not Missouri.

5. In Missouri you may buy raw milk whether goat milk, cow milk, sheep milk, etc.

6. In Missouri you may buy raw cream which has been skimmed from the milk. Some other states do not allow the cream to be sold separately.

This law is very ideal as it stands, from the standpoint of the citizens, both buyers and the producers of raw milk. In 2007 there was some argument about it, but in Feb. 2008 the Missouri Milk Board re-defined in writing to the producers that the law stands firm and raw milk sales are allowed in Missouri, as the law says so clearly. Because of the discussions that year, there is now a lot of documentation, both written and verbal, confirming the validity and strength of this law.

The Missouri "Fluid Milk Law" does not govern or even mention cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream or other products. This law neither prohibits nor allows those other products. It only regards fluid milk. Those other products are covered by other statutes and regulations.