Michigan House Considers Proposal to Expand Raw Milk Sales
The Michigan House of Representatives is now deliberating on bills that could potentially broaden the avenues for selling raw milk within the state. These proposals have cleared the committee stage and are set for consideration by the full House.
Currently, Michigan mandates pasteurization for most dairy products, a procedure that effectively eliminates harmful pathogens. This process has been pivotal in reducing the incidence of food-borne diseases, a fact supported by scientists and medical experts.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture caution against the consumption of unpasteurized dairy, highlighting significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. The Michigan Department of Agriculture underscores that pasteurization has “virtually eliminated” the transmission of diseases such as diphtheria and tuberculosis through milk.
Despite these warnings, interest in raw milk has surged amidst the growing popularity of natural food movements. During a January session of the House Government Operations Committee, Chair Brian BeGole (R-Antrim Twp) highlighted a disparity in food regulations.
“Legally, a parent could take their kids and have fast food three times a day and we know that these foods are often times highly processed,” BeGole noted. “But yet a farmer who wants to sell natural product, milk from a cow, directly to a willing consumer can’t do that, it’s illegal.”
The proposed legislation aims to allow the sale of raw dairy at places such as farmers markets and farm stands, with the condition of displaying a warning label. However, such products would largely remain absent from supermarket shelves.
State Representative Matt Maddock (R-Milford), who sponsors the legislative package, views it as an opportunity to support local farmers economically. “We can allow people to have more choices and enjoy themselves and make farmers happy,” Maddock stated during the committee meeting in January.
While the proposal has garnered public support, evidenced by numerous favorable comment cards, it faces resistance from major agricultural entities. Notably, the Dairy Farmers of America expressed concerns about potential industry ramifications.
Senior Vice President Jackie Klippenstein warned, “Whenever there is a news story about someone who’s gotten ill from raw milk, it impacts milk consumption throughout the United States. Consumers don’t delineate raw milk consumption from the milk they buy in the grocery store when there’s an illness. And that’s a concern for us.”
Some states, like California, Washington, and Pennsylvania, already permit the retail sale of raw dairy. Klippenstein acknowledged the demand for natural, farm-sourced products but stressed that pasteurized options are also available directly from farmers.
“There’s a raw food movement and they want to include dairy in that story. It’s not the same. The CDC does not have an entire page on their website dedicated to eating raw carrots and the dangers that comes with that,” Klippenstein pointed out.
The bills now await a decision on the House floor, as the Republican-led chamber prepares for a vote.
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