Another Attack on Raw Dairy

January 25, 2005

New state rules crack down on raw dairy products

January 23, 2005

The Free Lance-Star, VA

Rebekah Elliott

Fauquier County, Virginia, goat farmer vanderWoude Hill has, according to

this story, been drinking raw milk for most of her 73 years, but new state

regulations signed into law by Gov. Mark Warner could make that a crime.

The story says that beginning Wednesday, the state will require that all dairy

products produced in Virginia--not just those from cow's milk--be pasteurized.

The new regulations also require anyone manufacturing dairy products to obtain a

license from the state, which may force some farmers to make costly upgrades in

buildings and equipment.

The story notes that the new law, written by the Virginia Department of

Agriculture and Consumer Services, has upset groups across the state who say the

change unfairly hurts small farmers and organic-food lovers.

The sale of raw cow's milk and products made from it has been banned in the

state since 1986. The change expands the law to cover dairy products from goats,

sheep and other animals.

Officials say the change is needed to protect public health. They say the law is

intended to govern the sale of milk products, not consumption.

VDACS program supervisor Beers, who helped draft the law, was cited as

saying it is based on guidelines from the federal Food and Drug Administration

and Department of Agriculture, and that at least 21 other states also ban the

sale of raw milk products.

Opponents say there is no proof that drinking raw milk is unsafe, and that some

studies suggest it may actually be healthier than pasteurized products. They

note that there have been no reported illnesses due to raw milk in Virginia.

The opponents also say the law is too vague and leaves open the possibility that

merely drinking raw milk from cows or goats could be deemed illegal. They

complain that the regulations infringe on their right to eat and drink what they

want.

Acting State Epidemiologist Suzanne was cited as saying the state Health

Department has the responsibility to protect people from potentially dangerous

choices, even those they make themselves, and that while milk is sterile when it

comes from the animal, salmonella, botulism and E. coli can be introduced in the

handling and processing of dairy products, adding, " Milk is an excellent medium

for bacteria to grow in. "

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