Utah 2025 Regular Session

Utah House Bill HB0414

Introduced

2/4/25

Refer

2/12/25

Report Pass

2/14/25

Engrossed

2/21/25

Refer

2/25/25

Report Pass

3/5/25

Enrolled

3/12/25

Passed

3/19/25

Caption

Raw Milk Amendments

Impact

The legislation introduces significant changes to the existing agricultural framework in Utah. By defining terms and standards related to raw milk, the bill increases regulatory oversight and standardizes practices across the state. It particularly emphasizes the role of the Department of Agriculture and Food in ensuring that raw milk producers adhere to stringent health standards and reporting requirements. This shift is expected to bolster food safety measures, ultimately protecting consumers from the risks associated with unregulated raw milk sales, while also allowing responsible producers to operate legally.

Summary

House Bill 414 focuses on the regulation and enforcement of raw milk products in Utah. The bill establishes clear guidelines for the production, distribution, and sale of raw milk, specifically detailing the conditions under which it may be legally offered to consumers. Notably, the bill mandates that all raw milk producers obtain permits from the Department of Agriculture and Food and comply with strict testing and labeling requirements to ensure consumer safety. This framework aims to reduce potential public health risks associated with raw milk consumption, particularly in the event of foodborne illness outbreaks.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 414 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who argue that the bill represents a necessary step towards safeguarding public health without heavily infringing on producers' rights. Critics, however, express concern that the regulations could impose excessive burdens on small local producers who may struggle to meet the stringent requirements. This split in opinion reflects broader tensions in agricultural policy regarding food safety, consumer choice, and the economic viability of small farming operations.

Contention

One of the bill's main points of contention centers on the balance between regulatory oversight and the autonomy of milk producers. Proponents highlight the necessity of stringent controls to prevent health risks from potentially contaminated raw milk, while opponents argue the regulations might unfairly impact small-scale producers. Additionally, the conditions for issuing cease and desist orders during foodborne illness investigations have raised concerns about due process for producers, suggesting a deeper conversation about the role of regulatory bodies in addressing public health crises.

Latest HB0414 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

UT HB0281

Raw Milk Testing Amendments

UT HB0320

Sale of Dairy Amendments

US HB852

Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025This bill provides that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may, under specified circumstances, request access to a concentrated animal-feeding operation (i.e., a stabled or confined animal-feeding operation of a specified size) to conduct microbial sampling.Specifically, the bill allows the FDA to request access if the FDA determines that sampling is necessary to facilitate an investigation of a foodborne-illness outbreak, determine the cause of an outbreak, or address other public health needs. Concentrated animal-feeding operations must provide reasonable access for sampling, including sampling of plants, animals, water, and the environment. The bill imposes penalties on operations that refuse to provide reasonable access. Data collected in sampling efforts under this bill must be shared with the Department of Agriculture and state and federal public health agencies to facilitate the detection, investigation, and prevention of foodborne illness.