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GA HB1175
Bill
Status
Passed
5/13/2022
Primary Sponsor
Clay Pirkle
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AI Summary
- Authorizes the production, sale, and direct-to-consumer delivery of raw (unpasteurized) milk for human consumption in Georgia, effective July 1, 2023, provided producers obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture and comply with all safety, labeling, and sanitation standards
- Requires raw milk packages to carry a warning label in at least 12-point font stating: "Warning: This is a raw milk product that is not pasteurized and may increase the risk of foodborne illness," along with the farm's name, address, and permit number
- Establishes strict bacteriological standards including bacteria limits of 20,000 per mL, coliform counts not exceeding 10 per mL, somatic cell count caps, zero tolerance for E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter, and mandatory quarterly pathogen testing by the Department of Agriculture
- Grants the Commissioner of Agriculture enforcement authority including facility inspections, permit suspension or revocation for violations, product hold orders, mandatory recalls when drug residues or pathogens are detected, and injunctive relief through superior court; violations constitute a misdemeanor
- Separately exempts testing equipment used to determine whether a controlled substance has been adulterated with a synthetic opioid from being classified as a "drug related object" under Georgia law
Legislative Description
Georgia Raw Dairy Act; enact
Last Action
Effective Date 2023-07-01
5/13/2022
Committee Referrals
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs3/4/2022
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs2/3/2022
Full Bill Text
No bill text available