The state Senate approved a measure Wednesday updating “sell by” and “best by” date labeling for pasteurized milk, according to Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., R-47th, the bill’s prime sponsor. Senate Bill 434 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Currently, Pennsylvania regulation requires that milk be labeled for sale within 17 days of pasteurization. Only two other states have similar “fixed code” dates for milk regulations, thus putting Pennsylvania-produced milk at a competitive disadvantage in the retail sale of milk.

The bill would allow milk processors to apply for Department of Agriculture approval to exceed the 17-day limitation by moving to a science-based “open code” format. The legislation establishes testing requirements and standards, including dairy laboratory criteria, bacterial testing of samples and continued periodic testing, which must be met for milk processors to receive department approval.

ww.marsk12.org.