Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream
Pasteurized dairy: build or use an IDPH-permitted dairy plant (Grade A or manufactured). Raw milk: on-farm sales only, with a raw-milk dairy-farm permit. Farmers markets accept only products made in a licensed dairy plant.
Submit construction/equipment plans to IDPH before you build, then apply for your permit (Food, Drugs & Dairies). Raw-milk farms are inspected before the permit is issued and must keep sale logs, post consumer advisories, and report complaints within 5 days.
Keep perishable dairy at or below 41°F. Raw milk requires signage and a consumer advisory; keep a sale log (name, address, phone, date) for six months. Add allergen labeling (milk) to any product containing dairy.
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy plant permit | Grade A or manufactured dairy plants need an IDPH permit; plans approved before construction. | IDPH Food, Drugs & Dairies |
| Raw milk (on farm) | Permit required (77 Ill. Adm. Code 775.55); on-premises sales only; sale log kept 6 months; signage + consumer advisory; complaints reported within 5 days. | IDPH |
| Raw-milk products | Dairy farms may not make cheese or yogurt from raw milk for sale to consumers. | IDPH |
| Farmers markets | Only pasteurized, licensed-plant products; raw milk prohibited. Cheese may be portioned at ≤ 41°F. | Local health dept / IDPH |
| Cottage food | Dairy prohibited except as an ingredient in non-hazardous baked goods, candy or buttercream. | IDPH |
Can I sell raw milk in Illinois?
Yes, but only on the farm where it’s produced and only with an IDPH raw-milk permit. Delivery and off-farm distribution aren’t authorized (a 2025 bill would allow it; it hasn’t become law).
Can I sell cheese from my home kitchen?
No. Cheese needs a licensed dairy plant. Raw-milk cheese may be sold only if made in a licensed plant, cured at 35°F or above and aged more than 60 days.
Who do I call?
IDPH’s central office is (217) 785-2439, with regional offices in Bellwood, Champaign, Edwardsville, Peoria, Marion, Rockford and West Chicago.
Is ice cream different?
Ice cream must come from a licensed dairy plant, or a retail food establishment using commercially pasteurized mix. Ice cream from an uninspected facility can’t be sold at markets.