For more information: Kim Pokorny Brown, 608-257-3665
(MADISON) The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) applauds Governor Jim Doyle for standing on the side of public health and food safety in vetoing legislation that would have permitted the sale of raw milk.
“Permitting raw milk sales would have jeopardized Wisconsin’s high standards for food safety,” said Dr. Philip Johnson, WVMA president. “Those standards are vital to protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in Wisconsin’s dairy industry.”
In order to prevent serious disease outbreaks, only pasteurized milk and milk products should be sold for human consumption. The simple, yet vitally important process of pasteurization kills bacteria and makes milk safe.
“Veterinarians will continue to contribute to the debate about raw milk consumption as part of a stakeholder workgroup at the state Department of Agriculture,” said Dr. Johnson. “We have an obligation to ensure that the science behind raw milk is properly considered.”
The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association was one of a number of state organizations to lobby against the bill. The organization was especially concerned about the increased consumption among children who are at an increased risk of developing disease from pathogens present in unpasteurized milk.
The mission of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association is to advocate and promote veterinary medicine, while enriching animal and human health. Founded in 1915, The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association has more than 2,500 members.
