Rep. Winslow files bill in North Carolina House to permit raw milk sales on farms

A new bill filed by State Rep. Matthew Winslow in the North Carolina House seeks to permit the sale of raw milk and related products on farms, aiming to regulate health and safety standards, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 609 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Option for Raw Milk Consumption.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill permits the sale of raw milk and raw milk products, such as cream and butter, for personal use on farms in North Carolina, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It allows eligible farmers, who pass inspection and meet specific health and safety criteria, to obtain a raw milk license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. These criteria include ensuring animals are free from tuberculosis and brucellosis, conducting annual veterinary exams, testing water supplies for safety, and adhering to specific raw milk testing standards. The products must be cooled properly, and bacteria levels must remain within set limits. Raw milk must be distinctly labeled as unpasteurized and potentially harmful to health. Additionally, the Board of Agriculture is tasked with creating the rules to implement these changes.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Winslow proposed the most bills (20) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Winslow graduated from East Carolina University with a BS.

Winslow, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 7th House district, replacing previous state representative Lisa Barnes.