Food Freedom Rights to be Discussed on Federal Level

On March 26, a coalition of 20 bipartisan lawmakers introduced two pieces of legislation that would end federal crackdown on the distribution of raw milk.

House Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced both the “Milk Freedom Act of 2014” (HB 4307) and the “Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2014” (HB 4308), with support from Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and several other co-sponsors. The “Milk Freedom Act of 2014” would authorize the interstate sales of raw milk for human consumption and “…provide relief to local farmers, small producers, and others who have been harassed, fined and in some cases even prosecuted for the ‘crime’ of distributing unpasteurized milk” (Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund). The “Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2014” would prohibit the federal government from interfering with the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products packaged for human consumption.

“Many consumers want to buy fresh, unpasteurized milk and regulations shouldn’t get between them and the farmer who wants to sell it,” said Rep. Pingree. “Given how many food scares there have been involving large-scale producers, it just doesn’t make sense to spend money cracking down on small, local farmers who are producing natural, raw milk and cheese.”

“Our bills would make it easier for families to buy wholesome milk directly from farmers by reversing the criminalization of dairy farmers who offer raw milk,” said Rep. Massie. “The federal government should not punish farmers for providing customers they foods they want, and States should be free to set their own laws regarding food safety.”

The federal bills will not preempt or otherwise interfere with any State law.

The Campaign for Real Milk is a project of the nutrition education non-profit, The Weston A. Price Foundation. Donate to help fund research into the benefits of nutrient dense foods.  http://www.westonaprice.org/lab