Where is my milk from? Milk plant code lookup

Grade “A” milk, cream and yogurt cartons carry a short code near the date, like 06-1234. The first two digits are the state, the rest is the plant that pasteurized and packaged the milk.

Why the code matters

The FDA's list explains that the code is used when milk is pasteurized in a plant other than the one named under the brand, distributor or private label. A store-brand gallon from one chain can come from different dairies depending on the region, and the code tells you which one.

State codes

Names are printed as on the IMS List, which abbreviates: DY = Dairy, DYS = Dairies, CRY = Creamery, FM / FMS = Farm / Farms, PRODS = Producers, ASSN = Association, CO-OP = cooperative, BTU = bulk tank unit.

Source: FDA Interstate Milk Shippers (IMS) List, edition of Oct 1, 2026, updated quarterly. Only plants certified for interstate shipment are on the list.