Since pasteurization is the defense against the potentially deadly bird flu, it’s fair to say that raw milk has never been as dangerous as it is today.
But today, a Pennsylvania appeals court will hear whether the infamous Amos Miller can sell raw milk to out-of-state customers. Miller is under a court order banning the sale of raw milk in Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk across state lines.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture filed a civil suit against Miller in Lancaster County Court on January 23, alleging his business was not registered with the state, because he was not licensed to sell raw milk, and for reported violations of other Pennsylvania agricultural statutes . .
Miller’s lawyers then argued that Pennsylvania could only ban sales of raw milk within the state, but not sales outside of it.
They argued that Miller’s out-of-state operations could otherwise be harmed, as could his customers.
Judge Thomas Sponaugle essentially ruled in Miller’s favor because he found the state law was ambiguous on the issue. The state Department of Agriculture is asking for a review from the appeals court today. The department says banning out-of-state sales protects Pennsylvania’s economy.
Miller’s problems with compliance with food safety laws and procedures, including meat regulation, first came to light in 2016 when federal labs linked his raw milk to the Listeria bacteria responsible for at least one death. He remained under the jurisdiction of the federal court until mid-2023.
A search warrant was served on Miller Farm on January 4, after which a local poll found that 85.3 percent thought Miller was subject to “government excess.”
Just as he did when he was in federal court, Miller is using his fame to raise money for his cause. Since January, his GiveSendGo campaign has raised $306,212
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