NC H609

Creates a new licensing system allowing farmers to sell Grade "A" raw (unpasteurized) milk, cream, and raw milk products directly to consumers at the farm of origin or at farm stands within 100 miles of the farm

Requires licensed farms to undergo Department of Agriculture inspection and meet all Grade "A" milk standards except pasteurization, with annual veterinary examinations confirming animals are free from tuberculosis, brucellosis, and communicable disease

Mandates regular testing including bacteria counts (not exceeding 5,000 per milliliter), coliform limits (10 per milliliter), somatic cell counts (750,000 per milliliter), and semi-annual pathogen testing for Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, and E. coli O157:H7

Requires raw milk products to be displayed separately from pasteurized products with labels stating "Raw milk: not pasteurized and may contain organisms injurious to your health"

Effective January 1, 2026, with the Board of Agriculture directed to adopt implementing rules