Illinois Legislators
Honor Right of Consumers to Buy Farm Fresh Milk
Written by Liz Reitzig
Thursday, 10 April 2014 14:36
Illinois Legislators Honor Right of Consumers to Buy Farm Fresh Milk
Nutrition Education Nonprofit Issues Rebuttal to Public Health
Assertions About Health Risks
Washington, DC –April 10, 2014-- (
GlobeNewswire )-- A proposed bill in Illinois banning the sale and
distribution of natural or “raw” milk, is not going anywhere this
session after legislators heard from “thousands” of natural milk
proponents. The restriction, which was introduced as an amendment to an
unrelated bill, would have banned the sale and distribution of raw milk
in Illinois. The sponsor, Daniel Burke (D-23rd district), chose not to
move the bill out of committee after legislators were inundated with
calls and emails from concerned Illinois citizens.
Today, The Weston A. Price Foundation issued a point-by-point rebuttal
of Illinois public health official claims that a ban was warranted.
See
Response to the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium, Inc. on
the Campaign for Real Milk website.
“I am convinced, by virtue of the thousands of communications I’ve
received, that natural dairy should continue to be made available to our
society. If people believe this product is beneficial, I am not going to
interfere with that,” stated Burke. Known in Springfield for his record
in support of farmers, Burke claims, “It was never my intention to put
any restriction on the farmers.”
Under current Illinois law, farmers can sell an unlimited amount of raw
milk on the farm without a permit. And, according to those active in
opposing the amendment, that is how they would prefer to keep the law.
“When I am able to purchase this healthful product within Illinois, I am
able to support farmers I know and trust,” says Vicki McConnell, a Lee
County resident and active supporter of access to natural milk.
“Supporting our local economy is as important to me as accessing healthy
products for my family. I am grateful that the legislators see the sense
in not imposing additional restrictions on this voluntary exchange for
food.”
After the amendment was introduced, consumers and farmers alike rallied
to inform elected officials about the benefits of natural milk. Farmers
brought samples of the milk to the state capitol. Representatives
learned about the importance of this local product with some even opting
to try fresh milk for the first time. Several allegedly said it was the
best milk they’ve ever had.
Burke says he was asked to introduce the amendment by a Cook County
Health Department official who was concerned with not having regulations
in place for off-farm sales and distribution. Burke notes that he
learned a lot from the people who contacted his office expressing their
concerns.
“With the increasing popularity of the beverage, including legislation
introduced on the national level, it just doesn’t make sense to
interfere with the direct relationship between the people who produce
this food and the people who want it,” says Burke. “I have no intention
of moving forward with this bill. I would like to see the law remain as
it is and I appreciate all those who took the time to contact me with
their opinions.”
The Campaign for Real Milk is a project of the nutrition education
nonprofit, The Weston A. Price Foundation. Based in Washington, DC, WAPF
is the leading advocacy group promoting broader consumer access to
safety-tested raw milk. Contact
info@westonaprice.org or visit
realmilk.com and westonaprice.org.
© 2014 The Weston A. Price Foundation for Wise Traditions in Food,
Farming, and the Healing Arts.
http://www.westonaprice.org/press/illinois-legislators-honor-right-of-consumers-to-buy-farm-fresh-milk
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