Illinois legislators decide to leave raw milk alone

Nutrition education nonprofit issues rebuttal to public health assertions about health risks

[April 14, 2014]  WASHINGTON (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.

The Weston A. Price Foundation issued a point-by-point rebuttal last week 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," Burke said. 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 a Cook County Health Department official who was concerned with not having regulations in place for off-farm sales and distribution asked him to introduce the amendment. 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."

[Text from file received from Weston A. Price Foundation]

The Campaign for Real Milk is a project of the nutrition education nonprofit The Weston A. Price Foundation. Based in Washington, D.C., the foundation is the leading advocacy group promoting broader consumer access to safety-tested raw milk. For more information, contact [e-mail] or visit www.realmilk.com and www.westonaprice.org.