Utah House approves bill widening retail sales of raw milk, 46–20

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 12 passed House Bill 179, a measure that expands retail sales of raw (unpasteurized) milk and sets labeling, testing and record-keeping requirements. The second substitute for the bill passed on a 46–20 vote and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Representative Chevrier, the bill sponsor, said HB 179 aims to "protect and promote our small producers" by allowing producers greater access to retail markets. She told colleagues the bill removes the 51% store-ownership rule — permitting stores that do not have majority ownership by a producer to sell raw milk if they choose — while requiring separation of raw milk from pasteurized milk in displays, clear labeling with a warning and handling instructions, and industry-standard laboratory testing and six months of retained test records.

The sponsor argued the measure advances consumer choice and…