STATE OF MONTANA GREG GIANFORTE, GOVERNOR
MT DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK PO BOX 202001 HELENA, MONTANA 59620-2001 (406) 444-7323/FAX (406) 444-1929 livemail@mt.gov
ANIMAL HEALTH (406) 444-2976 BRANDS ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (406) 444-2045 CENTRALIZED SERVICES DIVISION (406) 444-4994 EXECUTIVE OFFICE (406) 444-9321 MEAT MILK & EGG INSPECTION (406) 444-5202
more frequently than the minimum required six (6) months. Again, this is not required in the MLFCA, but is a good management practice.
To whom may I sell my raw milk or cream?
A "small dairy" may only sell milk or cream to an "informed end consumer" which is defined in 50-49-202 (4) MCA as "a person who is the last person to purchase a product, does not resell the product, and has been informed that the product is not licensed, permitted, certified, packaged, labeled, or inspected per any official regulations".
May I sell my raw milk or cream at a Farmer's Market?
The MLFCA allows for sales at a “traditional community social event” 50-49-202 (7) MCA which includes farmer's markets. However, many markets have their own boards who approve vendors. Contact your local market to verify their rules and regulations.
May I sell my raw milk or cream to a local cafe, restaurant, coffee kiosk, etc.?
No. A café, restaurant, coffee kiosk, etc. are licensed retail food establishments. Any sales by a “small dairy” or their designated agent must be to an “informed end consumer”. Retail or wholesale establishments licensed with Montana Department of Public Health do not meet the definition of an “informed end consumer” 50-49-202 (4) MCA.
May I have a delivery route?
Yes. The “small dairy” owner or a designated agent may have a delivery route. However, the delivery must be to an “informed end consumer”. The milk or cream delivered must only be for home consumption and must occur only in Montana.
NOTE: 50-49-203 (6) MCA specifies a "small dairy" may not donate milk to a traditional community social event.
Are there requirements for labeling my raw milk or cream?
No. There are no labeling requirements for a “small dairy” selling milk or cream under MLFCA.
50-49-203 (1)(d) MCA
Will the Department of Livestock inspect my small dairy or processing area?
No. The MLFCA amended 81-22-304 (3) MCA to exclude a "small dairy" from the department's right of entry into dairies or plants for inspection. This does not, however,
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