Bill > SB464

This bill amends Arkansas law to expand the sales of raw milk and raw milk products beyond the farm where they are produced. The bill defines raw milk as unpasteurized goat, sheep, or whole milk, and raw milk products as derivative items like cheese, yogurt, and butter made with raw milk. It allows sales of raw milk and raw milk products at the farm of origin, farmers' markets, natural food stores, and through farm delivery. The bill requires sellers to post a prominent sign and label products with specific warnings about the lack of state inspection and potential health risks. For sales at locations other than the farm of origin, additional requirements include: a warning label, maintaining the product at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and having consumers sign a liability waiver. The bill includes an emergency clause, emphasizing the immediate need to provide clarity for farmers, particularly those producing goat cheese, and noting that the legislation will take effect upon gubernatorial approval or other specified legal mechanisms. The emergency declaration highlights the potential economic benefits for farmers and the importance of providing immediate legal certainty for raw milk product sales.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb464&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R