Posted: 06.24.2011

After 16 adults and children in Racine county became sick after consuming raw milk - efforts to legalize the sale of that product in Wisconsin have slowed.

Shawn Pfaff with Capitol Consultants of Madison says there's legislation that's been introduced in the Wisconsin Senate to legalize the product - but no companion bill in the Assembly just yet.

Pfaff, in an interview with the Wisconsin Farm Report Radio, said that Senate Bill 108, introduced by West Bend Senator, Glenn Grothman (R), is far different then the bill vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle last year.  Pfaff says the bill is much more wide open and could allow for less monitoring on sales, especially from dairies with under 25 cows.  Senate Bill 108 is currently before the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Pfaff says that Assemblyman Don Pridemore (R) of Hartford had pledged to introduce companion legislation on the raw milk issue - but hasn't done that yet. 

Pfaff is a lobbyist that represents the Wisconsin Safe Milk Coalition - doctors, public health officials, cheesemakers and dairy farmers - who oppose any movement to legalize raw milk sales.  Pfaff says they've received endorsement and support already from Representatives Al Ott and Gary Tauchen in stopping the efforts.

Pfaff says that groups that support the right to purchase raw milk legally are having a difficult time defending the health risks the public could face.

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