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Doyle vetoes bill that would have allowed sale of raw milk

MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle has vetoed a bill that would have legalized limited sales of raw milk in Wisconsin.

In his veto message, Doyle noted the near unanimous opposition by public health officials. He also noted that the dairy industry is the centerpiece of Wisconsin Agriculture, and feared an outbreak of contaminated milk could hurt dairy farmers.

The raw milk issue came to a head last year when supporters said farmers were unfairly targeted after 35 people from Walworth, Waukesha and Racine counties were diagnosed with a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, cramping and vomiting.

All said they had consumed raw milk, and 30 said they got it from Zinniker Farm in East Troy.

A settlement was reached in December where the Zinnikers admitted the violations but the case was be held open and they will not be fined.

Opponents are concerned that drinking raw milk could lead to an outbreak of illnesses, putting the state's dairy industry at risk. Supporters say raw milk has health benefits and tastes better.

From Doyle's veto message:

“I recognize that there are strong feelings on both sides of this matter, but on balance, I must side with the interests of public health and the safety of the dairy industry.

“I am listening to the unanimous voice of public health professionals including leading doctors at the Marshfield Clinic and Gundersen Lutheran Health System who have found the sale of raw milk to have potentially harmful health effects.

“I also have to protect the safety of the dairy industry, which is critical to our state economy. We have worked successfully over the last seven years to modernize Wisconsin’s dairy industry. An outbreak of disease from the consumption of raw milk could harm our reputation for providing healthy dairy products, and damage the entire industry.

“A group of experts will continue to study the question of whether or not the state should allow and regulate the sale of unpasteurized milk in the future. This group will make certain that the concerns and interests on all sides are fully analyzed.”