Food & Drug Protection Division

Food Program

The Food & Drug Protection Division is responsible for the regulatory oversight of milk haulers and testers within the State. Compliance with the North Carolina Dairy Laws requires in-part the following:

Milk haulers, individuals who grades, samples, and measures milk in a farm bulk tank; pumps the milk from the tank; and delivers the milk to a dairy plant, receiving station, or transfer station, are required to hold a current sampler's license. Additionally, they must take and pass a sampler's examination administered by a representative of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture prior to obtaining a license.

Milk Testers, individuals who test milk or cream in this State by, or sample milk for, the Babcock method or otherwise for the purpose of determining the percentage of butterfat or milk fat contained therein, where such milk or cream is bought and paid for on the basis of the amount of butterfat contained therein, are required to hold a current tester's license. Additionally, they must pass a tester's examination administered by a representative of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture prior to obtaining a license.

The license fee of five dollars ($5.00) for each license so granted or renewed shall be paid to the Commissioner of Agriculture by the applicant before any license is granted. All licenses issued or renewed expire on December 31, of each year, unless revoked.