AUGUSTA – The Maine House of Representatives is signing off on a proposal to loosen the restrictions on raw milk sales.

Rep. William Noon’s proposal would allow dairy farmers to sell unpasteurized milk directly to customers without a license. The House passed the bill on Monday by a count of 80-67. It now goes to the Senate.

The bill only applies to farmers who sell to consumers at their farm and requires the farmers to take a sanitation course. It also prohibits them from advertising.

The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted 7-6 earlier against the measure.

Some opponents of the measure say loosening restrictions on raw milk could pose a public health risk.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.