Topics
Bill Information
Summary
Bill Summary
UT HB0179 amends Utah law to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for milk and milk products, with particular focus on raw milk production and sales. The bill requires permits for dairy operations including wholesale distribution, sets specific safety standards for raw milk producers such as temperature control, sanitary conditions, animal health verification, and bacterial testing with strict pathogen limits. It mandates detailed labeling for raw milk containers including warnings and handling instructions, establishes procedures for permit suspension and cease and desist orders during foodborne illness outbreaks, and creates exemptions for on-farm direct sales and small producers while still requiring notification and some safety compliance. The bill grants the state department rulemaking authority, fee collection powers for testing and inspections, and establishes administrative penalties for violations.
Why It Matters to MAHA
UT HB0179 represents a balanced approach to raw milk regulation that respects patient autonomy and health freedom while maintaining transparent safety standards. The bill explicitly protects direct farm-to-consumer sales through exemptions, allowing consumers to make informed choices about raw milk products without government prohibition. By establishing clear, science-based safety requirements rather than blanket bans, the bill enables access to raw milk as an innovative health choice while ensuring producers maintain rigorous testing and sanitary standards that build consumer confidence. The transparency requirements through labeling and testing protocols empower consumers to understand exactly what they are purchasing and consuming. This framework advances MAHA principles by preserving patient choice to access raw milk products while removing unnecessary regulatory barriers that would restrict this access, and by ensuring that safety measures are based on verifiable testing rather than precautionary prohibition.
Introduced
02/17/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
Enacted
03/26/2026
Sponsors
Kristen Chevrier
Republican Representative (UT)
Kirk Cullimore
Republican Senator (UT)