WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1048

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE INCIDENTAL SALE OF GOAT MILK, SHEEP MILK, AND WHOLE MILK THAT HAS NOT BEEN PASTEURIZED; AND TO CLARIFY THAT THE INCIDENTAL SALE OF RAW MILK IS NOT LIMITED TO A SALE ON THE FARM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 8 co-sponsors

Arkansas now permits unpasteurized goat, sheep, and whole milk sales beyond farm locations, expanding raw milk market access while shifting regulatory enforcement challenges to off-site venues.

Notification that HB1048 is now Act 125
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1048

Legislative bill overview

HB 1048 expands Arkansas's existing raw milk exemption by allowing incidental sales of unpasteurized goat milk, sheep milk, and whole milk to occur beyond farm premises, not just at the farm itself. The bill clarifies that producers can sell these products in locations other than where they're produced, provided sales remain "incidental" (secondary to the primary farming operation).

Why is this important

Raw milk sales operate in a regulatory gray area in most states due to food safety concerns—unpasteurized milk can carry pathogens like E. coli and Listeria. This bill makes Arkansas's raw milk market more accessible to consumers by removing geographic restrictions, but also potentially increases public health oversight challenges for state regulators monitoring where and how these products are sold.

Potential points of contention

  • Food safety vs. consumer choice: Public health advocates worry expanded distribution channels increase contamination risks, while raw milk advocates argue consumers should have access to products they believe are safer or more nutritious
  • Regulatory enforcement: Defining "incidental sales" and monitoring off-farm locations is administratively complex; unclear how the state will prevent producers from disguising primary commercial operations as incidental sales
  • Market fairness: Pasteurized milk producers face strict safety regulations and costs; exempting competitors from those requirements creates unequal market conditions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.