MD HB1449

Legalizes direct-to-consumer sales of raw (unpasteurized) milk for human consumption in Maryland, requiring sellers to obtain a permit from the Secretary of Health that must be renewed annually.

Exempts small dairy farms with 3 or fewer cows or 10 or fewer goats from the permit requirements.

Mandates pre-permit inspections, veterinary certification that animals are free from brucellosis and tuberculosis, water supply testing for non-municipal systems, and bacteriological safety testing of milk samples.

Requires twice-monthly testing showing bacterial counts do not exceed 20,000 per milliliter, coliform counts do not exceed 10 per milliliter, and semi-annual testing for Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, and E. coli, with immediate sales cessation if pathogens are detected.

Requires labels to clearly identify the product as raw milk and include a consumer advisory warning that raw milk may increase foodborne illness risk, particularly for children, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.