Is milk still good after the date on the carton?
Indiana has no legal requirement for dairies to put a "sell by" or "use by" date on their containers. As such the state does not guarantee the wholesomeness of dairy products for any length of time. However, dairies routinely perform testing to assure that their products will retain an acceptable level of quality and wholesomeness at least through the date listed on the container. Of course, temperature-abusing the product, such as leaving the container of milk on the counter while cooking, will cause the product to lose quality and wholesomeness at an accelerated rate.
Can I buy raw milk from a farm?
Indiana law prohibits the sale and advertisement of raw milk intended for human consumption. Raw milk is defined as milk that has not undergone pasteurization, a process in which milk is heated to a specific temperature for a designated period to destroy harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized milk and milk products may contain pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, all of which are known to cause serious foodborne illness, or even death. These risks are particularly significant for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems.
To be sold lawfully within the state of Indiana, milk and milk products must comply with the requirements set forth in the following regulations
- 345 IAC Article 8 – Dairy Products: Rule 2, governing the production, handling, processing, packaging, and distribution of milk and milk products.
- Indiana Code 15‑18‑1 – Dairy Products; Milk and Milk Products Permits.
Indiana Code § 15‑18‑1‑21(a) states: “A person may not offer, display for sale, sell, deliver, or have possession of with intent to sell or deliver milk or milk products for human consumption unless every particle of the final mixture of the milk or milk products used in processing or manufacture has been thoroughly pasteurized by equipment approved by the board.”
To ensure compliance with state law, a person must remove any references to “raw milk” from all advertising platforms, including but not limited to social media, websites, yard signage, farmers’ markets, and farm stores, unless the advertising clearly indicates that the product is not intended for human consumption.
Does pasteurization kill the nutrients in milk?
Pasteurization does change the chemistry of the milk. Whether this change reduces the nutrient level or health benefits of the milk is a question better answered by a nutritionists, dietician, or food scientists.
Will unpasteurized milk hurt me?
Unpasteurized milk can contain the organisms responsible for many different diseases. Some of these diseases are: brucellosis, Q-fever, campylobateriosis, strep infections, staph intoxications, E. coli, salmonellosis, yersiniosis, toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, cryptosporidiosis, and tuberculosis. Consuming unpasteurized milk is not a recommended practice.
What are the requirements for pasteurizing milk?
You will need to meet the Grade A processing requirements for structures and equipment. Your facilities must be inspected and approved of by BOAH. Click here for more information on milk pasteurizing requirements.
How do I start a dairy farm?
You will need to submit drawings of your planned structures and equipment for approval by BOAH's Dairy Division and be inspected and approved for a permit. Click here for information on Indiana's dairy regulatory requirements.
Can I bottle and sell my own milk?
You may pasteurize and bottle your own milk; however, you must meet the Grade A processing requirements for structures and equipment. Your facilities must be inspected and approved (including a permit) by the BOAH. Click here for information on Indiana's dairy regulatory requirements.
Can I make ice cream from my house and sell it?
Homemade ice cream will not meet the requirements of the state's regulations. Individuals can't sell or distribute homemade ice cream. However, those who do make their own ice cream for their own enjoyment should use pasteurized eggs or cook the mixture prior to freezing.
Is goat milk better for you than cow milk?
Goat milk and cow milk are different products. They differ not only in taste but also in composition. Whether one is better than the other depends on the nutritional needs of the person consuming the product. This is a question individuals should ask a doctor, a nutritionist, or dietician.
Does sunlight destroy the nutrients in milk?
Light will accelerate the breakdown of vitamins A and D. To prevent the breakdown of these vitamins, some firms bottle their products in containers designed to reduce the amount of light reaching the milk. These typically are the dark or opaque plastic or have an overwrap that completely covers the milk area of the containers.
Is milk tested for animal drug residues?
Every load of milk must be tested for antibiotic drugs before the dairy plant receives it.
