The Farm-to-Consumer Access to Raw Milk Act aims to regulate the sale of raw milk in Ohio by introducing key definitions and requirements for raw milk retailers and raw milk feed retailers. The bill mandates that raw milk retailers obtain a valid license, adhere to specific labeling requirements that include warnings about the risks of raw milk consumption, and conduct monthly testing for harmful bacteria. Additionally, it empowers the director of agriculture to establish rules for the sanitary production, storage, and sale of raw milk, ensuring that it can only be sold if it passes required testing and is sold directly from the farm or at registered farm markets.

The legislation also introduces regulations for the sale of raw milk intended for animal feed, requiring sellers to hold a valid raw milk feed license and label containers clearly to indicate that the product is not for human consumption. Regular testing for brucellosis and tuberculosis in milking animals, as well as monthly testing of water sources, is mandated, with results reported to the director of agriculture. The bill establishes a dairy industry fund to support inspection and licensing operations and outlines a licensing process for various roles within the dairy industry, with penalties for violations. Existing sections of the Revised Code related to these topics will be repealed, and the new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 917.01, 917.02, 917.04, 917.07, 917.09, 917.99