A legislative committee in Colorado has given its approval to a bill that will allow the sale of raw milk. The bill, which takes its cues from related laws in states like Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas, would make it mandatory for vendors of raw milk to register with the Department of Public Health and Environment and adhere to specific handling and labeling guidelines. Along with other farm-to-table initiatives, the bill is part of the expanding “food freedom” movement.
Proponents of raw milk consumption contend that the process of pasteurization eliminates the milk’s enzymes and nutrients. However, according to the Federal Drug Administration, Raw milk can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. Coli, listeria, and campylobacter.
If approved, the state department of public health would create additional guidelines for handling safe milk, and violators would be subject to a $1,000 fine. The Colorado Department of Agriculture would have to pay the bill approximately $108,000 in the fiscal year 2024–2025 and $126,000 in subsequent years.
