UT HB0179

HB 179 - Milk Amendments

• Establishes a regulatory framework for raw milk and raw milk products, requiring producers to obtain permits, conduct bacterial and coliform testing on each batch, and meet temperature cooling requirements (50°F within one hour, 41°F within two hours of milking)

• Sets maximum bacterial count at 20,000 colony forming units per milliliter and coliform count at 10 colony forming units per milliliter, with mandatory pathogen testing if counts exceed higher thresholds or a foodborne illness outbreak occurs

• Creates exemptions for small producers making 500 gallons or less per month who sell only from their farm, and for farm sales/deliveries that meet basic labeling and cooling requirements without requiring a state permit

• Requires specific labeling including "sell by" dates (no more than 9 days after production), a warning statement that raw milk "may be unsafe," handling instructions, and producer identification

• Authorizes the department to suspend permits, issue cease and desist orders during foodborne illness investigations, and impose administrative penalties of $300-$1,500 for violations linked to illness outbreaks