Retail and farm-direct raw milk sales are legal in Connecticut with a state permit. Licensed health food stores, food cooperatives, and farms may sell raw milk directly to consumers.
Connecticut law authorizes retail and farm-direct sales of raw milk to consumers under Connecticut General Statutes §22-172 and associated Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (§22-172-1 et seq.), administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Producers must obtain a state license and meet herd health, testing, sanitation, and labeling standards. Unlike most states, Connecticut permits licensed raw milk to be sold through licensed retail establishments, including health food stores and food cooperatives, in addition to at the licensed farm. Raw milk sold at retail must be labeled with the farm name, a "sell-by" date, and health advisory statement.
Connecticut is one of a small number of states where consumers can purchase licensed raw milk through retail channels without traveling to a farm. Raw milk is available in health food stores and food cooperatives in the Hartford area, New Haven County, and Litchfield County, as well as at licensed farms across the state. Connecticut's regulatory framework has been stable for many years and supports a well-established supply chain from licensed farms to retail outlets. The state's small geographic size and dense population mean that licensed retail sources are accessible to a large share of Connecticut residents without long travel.
Official government documents and legal resources for Connecticut
Connecticut statute and accompanying regulations governing the licensing of raw milk producers and retailers, permitting both farm-direct and retail store sales with a state license.
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