What condition must be met for milk to be classified as "Grade A"?

For milk to be classified as "Grade A," it must meet strict sanitary and quality standards that are set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state regulations. This classification ensures that the milk is safe for human consumption and meets specific quality criteria that include factors like bacterial counts, somatic cell counts, and the absence of harmful substances. These standards are essential for public health and maintain consumer confidence in dairy products.

While pasteurization is also a requirement for milk that is intended for retail sale, simply being pasteurized does not guarantee that the milk meets the broader sanitary and quality requirements needed for Grade A classification. Organic and grass-fed classifications pertain to farming practices and animal diet but do not directly relate to the Grade A designation. Therefore, the emphasis on meeting strict sanitary and quality standards accurately reflects the criteria necessary for Grade A milk classification.