Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act; raw milk sales. Emergency
Impact
This legislation aims to enhance consumer choice by facilitating the purchase of raw milk directly from producers, thereby bypassing some of the existing regulatory hurdles. It could lead to increased sales for small farmers who produce raw milk, possibly benefiting local economies. However, the requirement for sales records to be maintained and subject to state inspection reflects an effort to balance these new freedoms with public health considerations, ensuring that safety standards are still upheld in dairy farming.
Summary
Senate Bill 764 proposes amendments to the Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, specifically allowing the direct sale of raw graded and ungraded milk by permit holders and even unpermitted sales by individual farmers. The bill permits sellers to advertise their raw milk directly to consumers from their farms, a step intended to support local agriculture and consumer access to fresh milk products. The direct sales are to be labeled appropriately, notifying consumers about the grade of milk, if applicable, or indicating that the milk is ungraded and unpermitted.
Contention
While proponents of SB764 argue that it fosters local agriculture and promotes consumer rights, there are concerns about public health risks associated with the consumption of raw milk. Critics may feel that reducing regulatory oversight could lead to increased health hazards, particularly if consumers are not adequately informed about the risks. The emergency declaration included in the bill indicates a sense of urgency from its proponents, likely in response to rising demand or existing barriers faced by small dairy producers.
A bill for an act relating to raw milk, by providing for the production of raw milk at certain dairies, the manufacture of products using raw milk, and the labeling and distribution of raw milk and manufactured products, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 315.)
A bill for an act relating to raw milk, by providing for the production of raw milk at certain dairies, the manufacture of products using raw milk, and the labeling and distribution of raw milk and manufactured products, and making penalties applicable.
To Amend The Laws Concerning Sales Of Raw Milk; To Allow Sales Of Raw Milk And Raw Milk Products At Locations Other Than The Farm Where The Raw Milk Or Raw Milk Product Was Produced; And To Declare An Emergency.
A bill for an act relating to raw milk, by providing for the production of raw milk at certain dairies, the manufacture of products using raw milk, and the labeling and distribution of raw milk and manufactured products, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly SSB 1107.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.
Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2024; requiring persons who commit criminal offenses to be classified in accordance with certain structure; codification; effective date.