This bill establishes a raw milk permit program in New Jersey, allowing individuals holding a valid raw milk permit to sell raw milk directly to consumers at the farm where it is produced. The bill amends existing laws to prohibit the sale of unpasteurized milk unless the seller possesses this permit. It also introduces specific requirements for permit holders, including compliance with New Jersey dairy laws, conducting inspections, and posting conspicuous warnings about the risks associated with raw milk consumption. Additionally, the bill mandates that raw milk must be cooled promptly after milking and sets strict testing standards for bacterial counts and antibiotic residues.

To ensure public health safety, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health, to conduct health tests on cattle used for raw milk production and to establish a fee structure to fund the permit program. Permit holders must also conduct their own testing and maintain records of results, with consequences for failing to meet established standards, including potential revocation of the permit after repeated violations. The bill aims to balance consumer access to raw milk with necessary health safeguards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:10-57.17, 24:10-57.18