Bottles of Mountain View Organic Dairy Bath Milk. Photo: Eddie Jim
Victorian dairy farmers and manufacturers will have to treat raw milk or add a bitter taste to it under new laws aimed at preventing human consumption.
It comes after the death of a three-year-old who reportedly consumed unpasteurised milk linked to a company that produces organic bath milk.
The Victorian health department has also warned people against drinking raw milk after four children under five fell seriously ill.
Unpasteurised or raw milk is not allowed to be sold in Victoria for human consumption but it is presently sold as bath milk or cosmetic milk.
Under regulations to come into effect from January 1, producers must treat raw milk to reduce harmful bacteria or make it unpalatable by adding a bitter taste.
Dairy producers who breach the new licence conditions face a fine of 120 penalty units, or $17,700, and could have their licence to produce dairy products cancelled.
Consumer Affairs Minister Jane Garrett announced the changes on Sunday and repeated that raw milk was not safe to drink and the new laws would better regulate the industry to protect consumers.
“We believe these tough new conditions at the farm gate will protect Victorian consumers, both those who accidentally consume raw milk and those who intend to do so deliberately,” she said.
The government was working with other states in a national approach led by the Australian Competiton and Consumer Commission, she said.
AAP