Raw Milk for Retail Sale

The Texas Department of State Health Services requires licensed Raw for Retail dairies to have their milk sampled on a quarterly basis for pathogenic bacteria and for the presence of antibiotics in the milk.  If either of these are found present in milk intended for sale as Grade "A" Retail Raw, the dairyman's product will be immediately detained and not available for public sale.  This procedure is required to react to imminent health hazards present for consumers who may purchase or consume the milk.  WITHOUT proper pasteurization of raw milk, the risk for contamination outbreaks increases 24%.  WITH proper pasteurization of raw milk, contamination outbreaks are less than 1%.  Therefore, any presence of antibiotics or the below pathogenic bacteria are not tolerated.   

The department will sample, at least quarterly, each Grade A raw milk processor dairy farm whose Grade A raw milk and Grade A raw milk products are produced and intended for consumption within the State of Texas. 

The specific pathogenic bacteria Grade "A" Retail Raw is tested for are:   

• Salmonella 

• Listeria Monocytogenes 

• E. Coli 0157:H7 

• Campylobacter sp. 

• Yersinia enterocolitica 

• Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin 

License status definitions

DSHS Current Raw Dairies 

• Current:  A valid 2-year license assuring inspections and sampling of raw milk and raw milk products for certain pathogens and quality. 

DSHS Closed/Expired Raw Dairies 

• Closed:  The dairy has given notice that they are no longer in business. 

• Expired:  The dairy has not renewed their license in a timely fashion.  Inspections and sampling suspended.