Food Safety

How We Farm

At Noble Pastures, food safety begins in the soil. We practice regenerative agriculture — caring for the land, the animals, and the ecosystem together — because we believe healthy animals raised on healthy pastures produce healthier food. Our herd is grass-fed and managed with their natural behaviors in mind. We don’t cut corners, because our family eats this food too.

We operate under permits issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and comply with all applicable state regulations governing the production and sale of raw milk and other dairy products. Our herd is tested regularly, our facilities are inspected, and our products are subject to bacterial testing as required by Pennsylvania law.

Raw and Unpasteurized Products

We sell raw milk, raw cream, raw butter, and other unpasteurized dairy products. Raw means unheated — the milk goes from the cow to you without the pasteurization process that is standard in commercial dairy. Many of our customers choose raw dairy specifically for this reason, and we respect that choice. We also want you to be fully informed.

Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter. Raw milk carries a higher risk of containing these pathogens than pasteurized milk. Good farming practices — clean animals, clean equipment, careful handling, and regular testing — significantly reduce that risk, but cannot eliminate it entirely.

The following individuals are at higher risk of serious illness from raw dairy and should consult a healthcare provider before consuming it:

– Pregnant women
– Infants and young children
– Older adults
– People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or those taking immunosuppressant medications

By purchasing raw or unpasteurized products from Noble Pastures, you acknowledge that you understand these risks and take personal responsibility for your decision to consume them.

Safe Handling & Storage

Fresh farm food is alive and time-sensitive. Taking care of it properly from the moment it leaves our hands makes a real difference in both safety and quality.

All dairy products:
– Refrigerate immediately upon pickup or delivery — do not leave at room temperature
– Store raw milk and cream at 35–38°F (1.7–3.3°C)
– Keep dairy away from raw meat and other strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator
– Consume by the date on the label; once opened, consume within the time recommended on the label
– If milk develops an off smell or appearance before the labeled date, discard it and let us know

Eggs:
– Refrigerate promptly
– Wash hands after handling
– Consume before the best-by date

Bakery items:
– Store at room temperature for short-term use or refrigerate to extend freshness
– Follow any storage instructions included with your order

If you will not be home at delivery:
– Leave a cooler with ice packs outside for your driver
– Products left in warm weather without refrigeration for extended periods may not be safe to consume

Bakery & Allergen Information

Our baked goods are made in small batches on the farm and may contain common allergens including wheat, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, and soy. Our kitchen is not certified allergen-free and products may come into contact with allergens even when they are not listed as ingredients. If you have a severe food allergy, please contact us at info@noblepastures.com before placing an order to discuss specific ingredients.

Reporting a Concern

If you have a concern about the quality or safety of a product you received, please contact us right away. We want to know — whether it’s a packaging issue, an off smell, or something more serious. We take every concern seriously and will respond promptly.

If you believe a Noble Pastures product has caused illness, please contact us immediately at info@noblepastures.com and seek medical attention if needed. You may also contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Food Safety Program at pa.gov/agencies/pda/food/food-safety or the CDC at cdc.gov/food-safety.

Our Responsibility & Yours

We take full responsibility for the care and quality of our products from pasture to your door. We test our milk, maintain clean facilities, handle products at proper temperatures during transport, and stand behind everything we sell.

Once products leave our hands at pickup or delivery, proper storage and handling become your responsibility. Noble Pastures is not liable for illness or quality issues resulting from improper storage after delivery or from the consumption of raw products by individuals in higher-risk groups after having been provided with this notice.

Questions