LANSING – The House today unanimously passed a comprehensive plan by State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) to update the state's milk laws in order to protect consumers and ensure that Michigan's milk producers can remain competitive in the industry.
"Updating the way we keep our state's milk supply safe is vital for the health of our consumers and the livelihoods of the thousands of working families who make their living in the dairy industry," Espinoza said. "These new regulations were shaped with input from dairy farmers as well as regulatory agencies. This plan will keep Michigan's milk supply pure while also helping to expand the milk industry's economic impact and job growth in the Thumb and across the state."
Michigan has about 2,500 dairy farms and plants that process milk or milk products. In 2006, Michigan ranked 9th nationally in milk production, generating almost $1 billion in farm sales from the production of 7.1 billion pounds of milk. Almost one-third of that was sold outside of Michigan.
Espinoza's plan focuses on updating pasteurization rules and equipment testing methods. Michigan now follows federal rules passed in 2001. Adopting standards used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will protect consumers and preserve the Michigan milk industry's interstate commerce. Espinoza's plan also:
- Clarifies licensing requirements and ends duplication when a facility is licensed under state food law.
- Requires new and remodeled milk processing plants to include protection from contamination by nearby animal production facilities.
- Prohibits products, such as those past the sell-by date, from being reused.
- Adds conditions under which the state Department of Agriculture may summarily suspend a license.
"This legislation is a victory because it fights for our consumers and our workers," said State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon), who supported the plan. "These updated milk regulations are a great example of how we can all work together to do what's right to protect jobs and move Michigan's economy in the right direction."