Arkansas Makes Big Changes to Raw Milk Sales Law

by Kristin Higgins - May 27, 2025

For more than a decade, Arkansas dairy farmers have been able to sell raw milk to the public for human consumption under certain conditions. Those conditions changed in 2025 after the Arkansas legislature passed Act 698, which expanded what's allowed in Arkansas. 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in May published a fact sheet about consuming raw milk. The fact sheet includes reasons why people choose to drink raw milk, risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk, and information about the new law.

Below is an overview of the changes in law from the perspective of selling raw milk in Arkansas.

The Changes

• No More Limits - Arkansas law previously limited farmers to selling 500 gallons of raw milk per month. Act 698 removed that cap. 
  
  
• Raw Milk Products - In addition to raw milk from goats and cows, farmers can now sell raw milk products. The new law defines "raw milk product" as a "consumer product that is the result of processes that include raw milk or raw cream as an ingredient including without limitation, butter, buttermilk, cheese, cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, colostrum, and other derivative products that use raw milk as an ingredient."
  
  
• Where Raw Milk Can Be Sold - Arkansas legislators actually passed two raw milk laws in 2025. Act 125 expanded where raw milk could be sold. Previously, farmers could only sell raw milk from the farm where the raw milk was produced. Act 125 opened up sales to include farmers markets and delivery direct from the farm. But before Act 125 could take effect, legislators passed a second law, Act 698, which included those new locations and more. Legislators also passed an emergency clause, meaning Act 698 went into effect immediately on April 16, 2025.
  
  In addition to farmers market and direct delivery from the farm, Arkansas law now also allows raw milk to be sold at "natural food stores." 
  
  
• Smaller Signs - Signs telling consumers where the raw milk came from and warning that it's not pasteurized must be posted at the point of sale. Signs must be at least 18 inches by 24 inches. Previously signs had to measure at least 24 inches by 48 inches.
  
  
• Labels Required for Raw Milk Products - Raw milk products must include a label with the following message: "WARNING: This product, sold for personal use and not for resale, is a product that has NOT been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. The consumer assumes all liability for health issues that may result from the consumption of this product."
  
  
• Raw Milk Product Liability Acknowledgment - People who buy raw milk products must sign an acknowledgment of risk saying they assume all liability for health issues that result from consuming the raw milk product.

What's Not in the Law

• There is no definition for "natural food store," meaning the interpretation of the phrase is up for debate. We can't tell you what types of stores can legally sell raw milk and raw milk products under this law.

What Hasn't Changed

• Buyers can't resell the raw milk they purchased. This means buyers can not use raw milk as an ingredient for a food item they sell.
  
  
• Farmers can't sell raw milk across state lines. Act 698 only applies to sales within Arkansas.
  
  
• Buyers can still request to inspect the farm where the raw milk came from, specifically the barn where the milk was produced and the cow who produced the purchased milk.
  
  
• There's no liability protection for farmers who sell raw milk. An acknowledgment form for raw milk products may not prevent lawsuits or provide legal protection in court.
  
  
• The Arkansas Health Department does not test raw milk for certain diseases, as is done with milk from Class “A” dairies in Arkansas. The animal’s health is not inspected or tested by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission.