On-farm and home delivery raw milk sales are legal in Texas under THSC §435. Licensed farms may sell at the farm and deliver directly to consumers in the producer's vehicle. No retail store distribution.
Texas authorizes on-farm raw milk sales and producer-direct home delivery under Texas Health and Safety Code §435 (relating to manufacture, distribution, and sale of milk and milk products) and 25 TAC §217.31. Farms must obtain a raw milk permit from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and comply with herd health, testing, sanitation, and labeling requirements. Texas is one of a small number of states that explicitly authorizes the producer to deliver raw milk to consumers in the producer's own vehicle, providing convenient access for consumers in urban and suburban areas. Texas expanded its delivery authorization through a 2021 regulatory update, which was described by Texas farmers as a significant improvement in access.
Texas has a significant and growing raw milk consumer market, with licensed farms serving the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio metropolitan areas through on-farm sales and direct delivery routes. Texas's large geographic footprint means that many consumers in major cities are within reach of producer delivery networks. The state does not permit retail store distribution; raw milk must be obtained directly from the licensed producer either at the farm or via the producer's delivery service. A 2026 court ruling against a Texas farm operating outside the standard licensing framework reinforced the importance of the licensed producer pathway for consumer access.
Latest developments and news related to raw milk in Texas
A Texas court rules against a farm operating outside the licensed raw milk producer framework, reinforcing the state's requirement for DSHS permits for direct consumer raw milk sales.
Read Article →Official government documents and legal resources for Texas
Texas Department of State Health Services Milk and Dairy Unit administering the raw milk producer permit program under Texas Health and Safety Code §435 and 25 TAC §217.
View Official Resource →Texas administrative rule §217.31 setting raw milk quality standards, labeling requirements, and conditions for on-farm sales and producer-direct delivery under the raw milk permit.
View Official Resource →Texas administrative code Chapter 217 Subchapter B covering milk and milk product standards, including the full regulatory framework for raw milk producer permits.
View Official Resource →Search for raw milk sources near popular locations in Texas
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