Illinois Seeks to Diminish Raw Milk, Prohibit Herd-sharingHeather Callaghan Did you know theres a Food, Drugs and Dairies division of their Department of Public Health? It really does sound like dairy is being lumped into drug regulations. Molly Lamb, division head, told Pantagraph: Heres how it goes. In Illinois, from-the-farm sales of unpasteurized milk are legalfor now. All other sales and interstate sales are not. Recently, at least a few dozen people gathered to speak to the IL Department of Public Health in Bloomington to peacefully protest the proposed regulations. They held signs that said Dont criminalize me and Save family farms. The added regulations would burden the small farms they say it will threaten their livelihood and inhibit access from people who love raw milk and appreciate its nutritional benefits and humane treatment of cows, including lack of hormones and antibiotics. How many conflicts can you find in these proposed rules: An acting manager says the intention for the meeting was to get feedback on what rules work for farmers and public safety the customer list is apparently to track sources of any potential outbreak. But also adds, the rules are to prevent wide distribution of raw milk Raw milk sales have been turning things around for small farms. Depending on the amount of cows, they can produce a lot of milk. Limiting the amount of gallons would mean that farmers would have to get rid of some of their cows. Add to that, having to purchase expensive equipment and keep up with certifications read: lots of fees and health inspector visits. Grade-A certification would require thousands of dollars and new equipment. Does that make any sense to you? You cant sell very much milk at all, but must also purchase extremely expensive equipment and certifications How is a very small family farm supposed to run that way? They are transparent and have a special relationship with the people who walk right up to the farm. Then what if they are to fork over that customer list? Can you imagine having to register pasteurized milk at the grocery store? Yet, pasteurized milk sickens people each year. Amanda Brown, who drank raw milk for five years and reversed chronic digestive issues said: There is time for public comment anyone out there have that information for our Illinois readers? I would say NO to everything on that list. There were no issues no one asked them to fill that happy void. Heavy regulations and surveillance dont seem to alleviate any potential public health risk and no complaints in IL. These measures appear to be a desperate attempt to fund coffers, exert control, and hamper access to food choice. Hey Agents, leave our food alone! (my version of Pink Floyds Another Brick in the Wall) Update: 