US Milk Regulations: Federal and State Requirements

US milk requirements: identify the product and jurisdiction

Start with the product, intended market and responsible authority. A US dairy project can involve federal requirements, state permits and the Grade “A” interstate milk programme. These are related requirements, not one interchangeable standard.

Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance

The FDA publishes the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) as part of the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments model documents. FDA’s current list includes the 2025 PMO, published June 2026. Establish which edition and provisions the relevant state authority applies to the product and facility. Use the official document for equipment, process, testing and record requirements.

FDA: PMO and related NCIMS model documents.

State requirements

Ohio publishes its dairy rules under Division 901:11, including Chapter 901:11-1 for Grade A milk and Chapter 901:11-2 for manufacturing milk. These are state provisions and must not be presented as rules for every US dairy. Check the adopted edition and applicable amendments with the responsible authority.

Ohio Administrative Code: Dairy, Division 901:11.

Practical checks before design or modification

• Define the product category, composition, intended use and destination market.
• Identify the licensing and inspection authority, and agree the applicable process and equipment requirements.
• Check the proposed heat treatment, flow control, holding time, diversion, hygienic separation and verification arrangements against those requirements.
• Maintain drawings, test records, operating limits, calibration and staff procedures for the actual installed process.
• For infant formula or aseptic products, identify their additional product-specific requirements; PMO references alone do not establish compliance.

This original overview replaces an undated reproduction of Ohio rules. It is a navigation guide to official sources, not a reproduction of the law or a project approval.