Bill > HB406

This bill enacts the Farm-to-Consumer Access to Raw Milk Act, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sale of raw milk (unpasteurized milk) in Ohio. The bill creates two primary licensing categories for raw milk sales: raw milk retailers (for human consumption) and raw milk feed retailers (for animal consumption), with both requiring specific licenses from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Key provisions include mandatory monthly testing for various bacteria and pathogens, rigorous veterinary testing of milking animals for diseases like brucellosis and tuberculosis, mandatory liability waivers for consumers acknowledging the health risks of consuming raw milk, and specific labeling requirements for raw milk containers. The bill mandates that raw milk can only be sold on the farm where it is produced or at registered farm markets, and requires detailed record-keeping and public disclosure of testing and inspection results. Violations of the bill's provisions can result in escalating legal penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies for repeated offenses. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2027, providing stakeholders ample time to prepare for the new licensing and safety requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb406