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SD Legislature May Consider Changes to Raw Milk Rules

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Ever since the Gillette Dairy milk pasteurization plant closed its Rapid City facility in 2007, West River dairy farmers have struggled. Over time, most went out of business. But Black Hills Milk, a dairy farm in Belle Fourche, continued selling its milk raw.

Not all states allow the sale of raw milk. The Centers for Disease Control recommend pasteurization for all milk because raw animal products may contain pathogens that sicken humans. When milk is heated to a certain temperature, pathogens are killed and the milk is safe to drink.

South Dakota allows the sale of raw milk direct to customers if the dairy farm meets certain standards. You can read a discussion of those standards here.

Raw milk advocates claim health benefits from drinking raw milk, benefits that would be denied them if the current state rules stand. You can read about those claims here.

But recently two South Dakota legislators have jumped into the fray. Senator Phil Jensen and Representative Scott Craig, both of Rapid City, have sided with the raw milk advocates, presenting the issue as one of food freedom, the freedom to choose one’s food and the avoidance of government regulation. The two legislators have called for the suspension of state raw milk rules until the legislature can review them in 2014.

The Rapid City Journal has more.

 

 

 


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