8/28/2018 2:18 pm Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations | VA.R. Document Number: R____-______ |
Virginia Register Publication Information
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Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
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Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: | Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services |
Regulatory Coordinator: | Erin Williams (804)786-7157 erin.williams@vdacs.virginia.gov |
Agency Contact: | Ryan Davis Program Manager, Office of Dairy and Foods (804)786-8899 ryan.davis@vdacs.virginia.gov |
Contact Address: | Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services P.O. Box 1163 Richmond, VA 23218 |
Chapter Affected: | |
2 vac 5 - 490: | Regulations Governing Grade "A" Milk |
Statutory Authority: |
State: Section 3.2-5206 of the Code of Virginia Federal: |
Date Petition Received | 05/22/2018 |
Petitioner | Virginia State Dairymen's Association |
The petitioner is requesting that the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services amend
Section 50 of 2 VAC 5-490 by reducing the allowed maximum somatic cell count from
the current 750,000 to 500,000 somatic cells per milliliter. The petitioner also requests
this section be amended to reduce the allowed maximum bacteria count from 100,000
to 50,000 bacteria per milliliter, prior to commingling with any other milk.
Agency Plan
The Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will consider this request at its next
scheduled meeting following the public comment period. This meeting will occur on
July 24, 2018.
Publication Date | 06/11/2018 (comment period will also begin on this date) |
Comment End Date | 07/01/2018 |
Initiate a regulatory change
Agency Response Date | 08/28/2018 |
The Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services has voted to grant the petitioner's
request for rulemaking for the following reasons:
Lowering the allowable somatic cell and bacteria counts in grade A milk will result
in a safer and higher-quality product for consumers and may lead to the availability
of new markets for milk and milk products produced in Virginia. Many producers are
currently producing grade A milk that is in compliance with the proposed somatic cell
and bacteria counts and would likely support the proposed regulatory amendments.