TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND PARTIES:
Pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, O.C.G.A. § 50-13-4 and O.C.G.A. § 26-2-453, notice is hereby given that the Georgia Department of Agriculture will accept written comments regarding the proposed adoption of Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules, GA. Comp. R. & Regs. Subject 40-2-16, et seq. The Department will accept written comments from April 24, 2023, until the close of business (4:30 p.m. ET) on May 25, 2023.
SYNOPSIS, MAIN FEATURES AND DIFFERENCES:
After consideration of public comments provided in response to the draft Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules published on March 13, 2023, the Department now proposes to adopt the Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules as provided in this revised proposal.
The Department expects the new Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules to become effective July 1, 2023.
The specific proposed Rules are as follows:
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.01 will establish the purpose of the Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.02 will provide definitions for necessary terminology for the Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.03 will establish the qualifications and responsibilities of applicants for a Raw Milk for Human Consumption permit, requirements for renewal of permits, responsibilities of permit holders, and associated requirements.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.04 will describe the requirements for Raw Milk for Human Consumption compliance inspections as well as the correction of violations.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.05 will provide processes and requirements relating to abnormal milk.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.06 will identify certain unlawful activities relating to raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.07 will set forth requirements for the construction of milking barns, stables, and parlors.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.08 will set standards for cleanliness in milking barns, stables, and parlors.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.09 will set standards relating to cowyards.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.10 will set for requirements for the construction and facilities of milkhouses.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.11 will set standards for cleanliness in milkhouses.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.12 will provide for toilet requirements.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.13 will set standards for water supplies.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.14 will set standards for construction of utensils and equipment utilized in the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.15 will set standards for the cleaning of utensils and equipment utilized in the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.16 will set standards for the sanitization of utensils and equipment utilized in the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.17 will set forth storage requirements for utensils and equipment utilized in the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.18 will set forth standards for flanks, udders, and teats relative to milking.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.19 will set forth specific requirements to ensure raw milk for human consumption is protected from contamination.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.20 will set requirements for the control of drugs and chemicals used during the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.21 will set forth requirements for personnel handwashing facilities relative to the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.22 will set forth requirements for personnel cleanliness relative to the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.23 will set standards for the proper cooling of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.24 will set standards for the control of insects and rodents relative to the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.25 will set health standards and testing requirements for animals used in the production of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.26 will set requirements for the bottling of, packing of, and containers used for raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.27 will provide labeling requirements for all bottles, containers, and packages of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.28 will provide for the sampling and testing of raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.29 will describe enforcement actions relating to adulterated and misbranded raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.30 will set forth the requirement for recall procedures relating to raw milk for human consumption.
Proposed Rule 40-2-16-.31will set forth general provisions relating to administration and enforcement of the Raw Dairy Act and Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules.
COMMENT PERIOD AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Department will be accepting written comments from April 24, 2023, until the close of business (4:30 p.m. ET) on May 25, 2023. Public comments and the adoption of the Raw Milk for Human Consumption Rules will be considered at 10:00 a.m. on May 31, 2023, in Room 201 of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, 19 M.L.K. Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. Please submit written comments to:
Natalie Adan
Georgia Department of Agriculture
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.W. Room 306
Telephone Number: 404.656.3627
E-mail: Natalie.Adan@agr.georgia.gov
Interested persons may call or submit a written request to obtain a copy of the proposed rule changes. A copy of the synopsis and the proposed rule changes may be downloaded from the Georgia Department of Agriculture website at www.agr.georgia.gov. This notice is given in compliance with the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-13-4.
