November 18, 2011
American livestock board reviews milk rule
Amid a challenge on requiring milk to be sold within 12 days of being pasteurised, the Montana Board of Livestock will review the said rule.
A hearing examiner has recommended that the state scrap the rule, which would let processors to set their own dates. The hearing was the result of a federal lawsuit brought by wholesale distributor Core-Mark International of Spokane, Wash.
The hearing determined that production and processing methods have improved since implementation of the old rule. A 21-day use-by date is the standard for milk in both the US and Canada.
The Montana Board of Livestock decided Monday to "carefully weigh all possible options" before making any formal rule changes.
Supporters say the current Montana rule guarantees freshness a long time after purchase.