January 21, 2009
US state's dairy farmer worries on proposed new rules
Dairy farmers in the US state of Connecticut are worried that proposed new state rules on raw milk could force them out of business.
The state Department of Agriculture wants stricter warnings on containers of unpasteurised milk, and more testing and limits on where the product can be sold.
The move will help to better inform consumers about the risks of drinking raw milk, and to help consumers avoid buying the product accidentally with the idea that they are buying pasteurised milk, said officials.
Dairy farmers said they understand the concerns, but the unfunded mandate would be so costly they would be forced out of business.
The farmers said the rules would also restrict their income by limiting sales to farms instead of the retail outlets with whom they are currently working with.
