Maine House passes bill to loosen restrictions on sales of raw milk in state

The Maine House of Representatives is signing off on a proposal to loosen the restrictions on raw milk sales.

Rep. William Noon's proposal would allow dairy farmers to sell unpasteurized milk directly to customers without a license. The House passed the bill on Monday by a count of 80-67. It now goes to the Senate.

The bill only applies to farmers who sell to consumers at their farm and requires the farmers to take a sanitation course. It also prohibits them from advertising.

The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted 7-6 earlier against the measure. Some opponents of the measure say loosening restrictions on raw milk could pose a public health risk.