Is Raw Milk Sales Legal in South Carolina? (2026)

ILLEGAL
Confidence: High

No — Raw Milk Sales are illegal in South Carolina as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Possession and use prohibited
Penalty
Regulatory violation
Last Updated
2026-03-25
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Quick Answer

South Carolina prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption under S.C. Code Ann. § 47-11-10. Possession is not explicitly prohibited, but sale is illegal.

What the Law Says

South Carolina law allows for the retail sale of raw milk by permitted producers. The milk must be clearly labeled as raw and include a statement that it has not been pasteurized.

South Carolina Code of Laws - Sale of Milk
Category Details
Personal Consumption Possession of raw milk is not explicitly prohibited.
Retail & Farm Sale Sale of raw milk for human consumption is illegal under S.C. Code Ann. § 47-11-10.
Penalties Violations can result in fines and misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction None
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant changes since the raw milk laws were updated in 2011.

Enforcement Reality

South Carolina has a legal and regulated raw milk market. Enforcement is focused on ensuring that producers are licensed and meet state standards.

Charge Level
Regulatory violation
Enforcement Likelihood
High for unpermitted sales
Common Triggers
Selling without a permit, improper labeling
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is assuming that any farm can sell raw milk. Only licensed producers can sell to the public.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across South Carolina. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Bottom Line

Raw Milk Sales are illegal in South Carolina. Possession or use can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.

South Carolina vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, buying raw milk is fully legal in 2 states, restricted in 26, and illegal in 22. South Carolina falls in the ILLEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Raw Milk Sales:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to buy Raw Milk Sales in South Carolina?
No — Raw Milk Sales are illegal in South Carolina as of 2026. South Carolina prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption under S.C. Code Ann. § 47-11-10. Possession is not explicitly prohibited, but sale is illegal.
What are the penalties for buying raw milk in South Carolina?
Violations can result in fines and misdemeanor charges.
How strictly does South Carolina enforce its raw milk sales laws?
South Carolina has a legal and regulated raw milk market. Enforcement is focused on ensuring that producers are licensed and meet state standards.
What typically triggers enforcement in South Carolina?
Selling without a permit, improper labeling
Does the law on buying raw milk change at the South Carolina border?
Yes. Raw Milk Sales are legal with restrictions in neighboring North Carolina. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

2.
Statute Summary
South Carolina law allows for the retail sale of raw milk by permitted producers. The milk must be clearly labeled as raw and include a statement that it has not been pasteurized.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Comprehensive South Carolina Legal Guides

Explore all related legal topics in South Carolina — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.

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Raw Milk Sales in Other States

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