Delaware Reminds Residents Raw Milk Sales Need Permits
The Delaware Department of Agriculture says raw milk may only be sold by facilities holding a permit from its Raw Milk Program.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Delaware Department of Agriculture reminded residents that raw milk may only be sold by permitted facilities. No raw milk sales permits for human consumption have been issued in the state, and some products labeled as pet milk are not tested for bacteria or other pathogens.
Why it matters
Unregulated raw milk products may carry an increased risk of illness, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and people with compromised immune systems. Consumers buying products labeled as pet milk may not realize those products have not been inspected for human-health risks.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture reports that no raw milk sales permits for human consumption have been issued in the state. Products labeled as pet milk are not tested for bacteria or other pathogens, and the number of facilities selling them is not disclosed.
The players
Delaware Department of Agriculture
The state agency that regulates agriculture and runs the Raw Milk Program, which permits and inspects raw milk sales in Delaware.
The details
Some raw milk is sold in Delaware labeled as pet milk, and those facilities have completed pet food registrations but are not permitted or inspected by the Raw Milk Program. Other products labeled as raw milk or containing raw milk or raw cream are not produced under the program's requirements, while producers seeking a permit can contact the Food Products Inspection section.
Timeline
November 11, 2026: Delaware Department of Agriculture published the raw milk warning reminder.
Seasonal Patterns
The warning follows the permit framework in Delaware's raw milk regulations published in the Delaware Register of Regulations in June 2025. It reinforces that only facilities meeting those published requirements may sell raw milk for human consumption.
Delaware residents who buy milk should check that any raw milk product comes from a permitted facility before purchase. Products labeled as pet milk have not been tested for human-health pathogens and should not be assumed safe for people.
The takeaway
Check that raw milk comes from a permitted Delaware facility before buying it. Products labeled as pet milk have not been tested for human pathogens and carry the same caution.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Organic Food in Delaware.
More information
Read the Delaware Raw Milk Regulations for the full permit requirements. Producers can also call the Food Products Inspection section at (302) 698-4545.
Live Poll
Do you trust milk sold at farm stands or markets to be safe?
