EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WTAQ) - A public hearing will be held Wednesday in Eau Claire on bills to legalize the sale of raw milk in Wisconsin. The Senate Agriculture Committee and the Assembly Rural Economic Development panel will hear testimony on identical bills pending in both houses. Farmers could sell raw milk if they have state permits and federal Grade "A" designations. They would also have to display notices that their raw milk does not provides the protections of pasteurization.
Democrat Chris Danou of Trempealeau is the main sponsor of the Assembly bill. Supporters say unpasteurized milk tastes better, and it's healthier and easier to digest. Officials have said that raw animal products often carry bacteria that cause illnesses and deaths. State law has required milk to be pasteurized since 1957.
