Elder Vogel (R-Beaver, Butler, Lawrence), a Pennsylvania Senator, introduced the bill to the Pennsylvania Senate and created Senate Bill 434, which was signed on Wednesday as Law 62 of 2021.
The new law fixes issues affecting retail sales. Currently, Pennsylvania requires labeling for sale within 17 days of pasteurization. This is also known as a “fixed code”. These regulations exist only in the other two states, Pa. Puts the milk produced in the store at a disadvantage.
Law 62 allows milk processors to apply for Ministry of Agriculture approval to move to the “open code” format beyond the 17-day limit. This sets testing requirements and standards such as dairy testing standards, sample bacterial testing, and ongoing routine testing. These must be met in order for the milk processor to be approved.