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Minutes for SB308 - Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Short Title
Allowing the on-farm retail sale of raw, unpasteurized milk so long as certain labeling and advertising requirements are met.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 13, 2020
Chairperson Kerschen opened the hearing on SB308.
Tamera Lawrence of the Revisor of Statutes Office explained the bill. The bill deals with labeling of raw milk and states there must be a label stating that some elements in the product may compromise the health of those who consume it. It also states that the label must be no smaller than the largest font on the container.
Tucker Stewart testified in support of the bill. He believes that there are real health risks in consuming unpasteurized milk that warrant a disclaimer so consumers have enough information to understand the risk they are taking when consuming unpasteurized milk products.(Attachment 1)
Ken Titus spoke in favor of the bill. He believes that the bill is an effective way to better inform the public to make informed decisions without limiting consumers freedom of choice. In addition it would not increase a regulatory burden on producers nor increase the financial support required for the operation of a the KDA dairy program.(Attachment 2)
John Donley with the Kansas Farm Bureau provided written testimony in support of the bill.(Attachment 3)
Ron Smith testified in opposition to the bill. He opposes the bill because he does not believe raw milk is a health problem to consumers if processed and consumed correctly. A labeling requirement under the circumstances may infringe First and Fourteenth Amendment rights for producers.(Attachment4)
Sam MacRoberts spoke against the bill. He believes that the bill violates the free speech clauses of the First Amendment to the U. S, Constitution and Section 11 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights.(Attachment 5)
Daniel King testified in opposition to the bill. He told the committee that the extreme labeling requirements are unnecessary and only strive to confuse consumers and place unfair targets on raw milk.(Attachment 6)
Mary Powell spoke against the bill. She explained that some consumers bring their own containers to pick up raw milk. It would be offensive to these customers to have these labels put on their personal containers. She also feels the warning label is too long and the font is too large. Wording on the label is incorrect. It says the container contains ungraded pasteurized milk. She believes that as long as the farm follows the sanitation requirements, the raw milk is Grade A milk.(Attachment 7)
Allen Loomis testified in opposition to the bill. He is against labeling because he does not believe that raw milk has dangerous microorganisms that pose serious health risks to anyone. He cites some studies that he says are evidence of this.(Attachment 8)
Doug Renard testified against the bill. He feels that the bill will have a direct negative effect on small businesses. The 37 word, 237 character labeling statement would be expensive to produce and could be larger than container itself.(Attachment 9)
Loyd Borntrager spoke in opposition to the bill. He is concerned about the dairy industry in Kansas in general. He believes that small dairies are shutting down at an alarming rate because they are hurting financially. In his opinion the proposed labeling hurts the industry in general.(Attachment 10)
Opponent written testimony was submitted by:
Molly Martin-private citizen(Attachment 11)
David Melechinsky- private citizen(Attachment 12)
Judith McGeary- Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance(Attachment 13)
Don Teske- Kansas Farmers Union(Attachment 14)
Cindy Bauer-private citizen(Attachment 15)
Jan Thooft- private citizen(Attachment 16)
Stephanie Eckroat presented neutral testimony on the bill. She believes that the bill is a good start but does not set expectations high enough to protect the health and safety of those individuals who consume raw or unpasteurized milk.(Attachment 17)
Written neutral testimony was provided by:
Robyn Stuewe- Midwest Dairy(Attachment 18)
Farah Ahmed-Kansas Department of Health and Environment(Attachment 19)
After a short question and answer period, Chairperson Kerschen closed the hearing on SB308 and adjourned the meeting at 9:30.
