Michigan Bill: HB 5218

Bill Summary

Michigan House Bill 5218 amends the Manufacturing Milk Law of 2001 to permit direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw milk and raw milk products that are currently prohibited under state law. The bill establishes specific regulatory requirements for raw milk producers, including mandatory labeling with bottling dates and health warning labels, temperature controls maintained at 45°F or less, bacterial limits of 15,000 per milliliter, somatic cell count limits of 600,000 per milliliter, and annual animal health testing for brucellosis and tuberculosis. Raw milk may only be sold directly to final consumers and not through retail establishments, and producers must comply with existing food safety regulations while receiving exemptions from certain licensing requirements. The bill takes effect only if two companion bills, HB 5217 and HB 5219, are also enacted into law.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA strongly supports this bill because it expands health freedom and patient autonomy by allowing Michigan consumers to make their own informed choices about raw milk consumption rather than having the government restrict this option entirely. The bill respects health freedom principles by allowing direct farm-to-consumer transactions while still maintaining transparency through required labeling and clear health warnings so consumers can make educated decisions. By exempting direct-sale producers from certain licensing burdens while preserving legitimate food safety standards, the bill removes unnecessary regulatory barriers that limit consumer choice and access to alternative food sources. This legislation recognizes that informed adults should have the right to purchase raw dairy products directly from producers if they choose, without government paternalism preventing such transactions. The bill represents a balanced approach that increases health freedom without eliminating all safety measures.