The state Senate recently approved legislation that would allow milk processors more flexibility in labeling.
Senate Bill 1330 amends Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to allow milk processors to use a “best by” date instead of a “sell by” date.
Milk processors also would be allowed to request a later “best by” or “sell by” date from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture than the current 17-day milk code.
The change is the result of a recommendation in a recent Dairy Future Commission report.
“Other states don’t have that 17-day milk code requirement, which is an arbitrary deadline and really doesn’t reflect the freshness of the milk,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks County), who sponsored the bill, said. “Milk doesn’t necessarily spoil once you get to day 18. But consider consumers in the grocery store – they buy the carton with the latest date. This legislation will help make Pennsylvania milk the fresher choice.”
In 2018, Schwank requested a dairy industry study to determine if clarifying the milk date coding requirements would be a way to bolster the industry.
The bill moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If it becomes law, the legislation would take effect in 30 days.