House Bill Analysis

HB 2628

HOUSE AGRICULTURE AND ECOLOGY COMMITTEE                 January 28, 2000

Authorizes colostrum milk from cows that is processed as a nutritional supplement to be sold for human consumption.

BACKGROUND:

It is unlawful to sell or deliver colostrum milk for consumption by humans.  However, an exemption from this prohibition is provided for colostrum milk from cows made available to persons with multiple sclerosis.  Colostrum milk may be sold or delivered for this purpose if the initial sale is accompanied by a form signed by a physician certifying that the intended user has multiple sclerosis and that the user releases the provider of the milk from liability resulting from the consumption of the milk.  The colostrum milk provided for this purpose is exempt from meeting the standards for grade A raw milk, but must be from a cow that was tested for brucellosis within 60 days of calving.  (RCW 15.36.151.)

SUMMARY:

Colostrum milk may also be sold or delivered for processing by a licensed food processor as a nutritional supplement in accordance with the Federal Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act and the product of the processing may also be sold.  Such colostrum milk must be cows that have been tested for brucellosis within 60 days of calving, but is exempt from meeting standards for grade A raw milk.