Health Law

Raw milk bill vetoed by Governor Doyle

By Drew Falkenstein

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel just reported that Governor Doyle has "sided with public health," and has vetoed a bill that would have legalized the sale of raw milk in Wisconsin.  The Journal Sentinel reports as follows, citing Governor Doyle's statement

"I recognize that there are strong feelings on both sides of this matter, but on balance, I must side with the interests of public health and the safety of the dairy industry."

By an overwhelming margin, the state Legislature passed the bill sought by some farmers and consumers who believe that raw, unpasteurized milk has qualities that boost the immune system and can cure a plethora of ailments.

Opponents said the bill raises multiple safety issues because unpasteurized milk may carry pathogens that cause food-borne illnesses.

Earlier, Doyle indicated he would sign the raw milk legislation, under the right circumstances.

Overriding the veto would require a two-thirds vote of both houses of the Legislature and begin in the Senate. An override has not succeeded in more than 24 years.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on May 19, 2010 (boomark / email).