Texas House Bill HB46

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to the regulation of raw milk and raw milk products.

Impact

The legislation amends the Health and Safety Code to impose requirements on how raw milk is handled, stored, and transported. It mandates that sales can occur only at the permit holder's place of business, the consumer's residence, or a designated farmers' market. In ensuring the correct handling of these products, the bill seeks to maintain food safety standards that protect consumers while catering to the growing market for raw milk products.

Summary

House Bill 46 addresses the regulation of raw milk and raw milk products, aiming to set specific guidelines for their sale in Texas. The bill clearly outlines that raw milk cannot be sold in grocery stores or supermarkets, and only permitted sellers are authorized to sell raw milk directly to consumers. The focus on permitting indicates an attempt to control the quality of raw milk being sold while facilitating its availability to consumers who may prefer unprocessed dairy products.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounds the required labeling that warns consumers about the risks of consuming unpasteurized milk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and the elderly. This component of the bill may attract criticism from raw milk advocates who argue that the benefits of raw milk consumption should be highlighted, rather than only the associated risks. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that exempt local health authorities from mandating specific methods to comply with temperature requirements during transportation, which could lead to concerns over regulatory enforcement and oversight.