California Assembly Bill AB466

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/19
• Refer: 2/21/19
• Report Pass: 3/28/19
• Refer: 3/28/19
• Refer: 4/10/19
• Report Pass: 5/16/19
• Engrossed: 5/28/19
• Refer: 5/29/19
• Refer: 6/6/19
• Report Pass: 6/14/19
• Refer: 6/14/19
• Refer: 6/19/19
• Report Pass: 6/25/19
• Refer: 6/25/19
• Report Pass: 7/2/19
• Refer: 7/2/19
• Report Pass: 8/12/19
• Refer: 8/12/19
• Enrolled: 9/5/19
• Chaptered: 9/20/19
• Passed: 9/20/19

Caption

Interstate shipments: market milk: 6 percent milk: Office of Farm to Fork: report.

Impact

The bill broadens existing standards for market milk by including the new 6 percent milk category, which must adhere to the same labeling requirements as market milk. The legislation aims to ensure that consumers have clear information about the products they purchase. Additionally, the bill has the potential to enhance agricultural processing and sale by clarifying standards for producers looking to offer this type of milk, thereby enabling market growth. The establishment of these standards may lead to a safer and more regulated dairy market that supports health and wellbeing.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 466 amends sections of the Food and Agricultural Code to establish and define the standards for a new category of milk known as 6 percent milk. This legislation allows for the establishment of standards regarding fat content and solids not fat, necessitating that this new milk category contain not less than 6 percent of milk fat and at least 8.7 percent of solids not fat at the time of delivery to consumers. This bill represents a significant update in how products like milk are categorized and legislated, addressing consumer demand for variations in fat content in dairy products.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 466 appears to be largely supportive, particularly from agricultural producers and consumers interested in a broader variety of milk products. Stakeholders believe that this legislation will enhance transparency in the dairy industry and potentially boost sales of 6 percent milk among consumers looking for different options. However, there may be concerns from smaller producers regarding compliance with the new standards and competitive pricing in a market that may shift with these changes.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounds the potential regulations that may arise due to the bill’s expansion of definitions within the Food and Agricultural Code. Some legislators worry that increased regulation could stifle innovation or create unfair burdens on smaller milk producers. Furthermore, the bill's requirement for a standard of identity for 6 percent milk may complicate offerings from local dairies that traditionally produce a variety of milk types without stringent classifications.