Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
secretary
Agriculture and Forestry
Agency
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Board
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Petition 274
Petition Information
Petition Title Petition to amend certain requirements in 2 VAC 5-490 regarding somatic cell count and bacteria count
Date Filed 5/22/2018    [Transmittal Sheet]
Petitioner Virginia State Dairymen's Association 
Petitioner's Request

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's 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.

 
Comment Period Began 6/11/2018    Ended 7/1/2018
1 comments
Virginia Register Announcement Submitted on 5/22/2018
 
The Virginia Register of Regulations
 
Published on: 6/11/2018     Volume: 34  Issue: 21
Agency Decision Initiate a regulatory change [Transmittal Sheet]    
Response Date 8/28/2018
Decision Publication Date Published on: 9/17/2018     Volume: 35  Issue: 2
Agency Decision Summary

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.

Associated regulatory action Amendment to lower permissible somatic cell and bacteria counts
Latest Stage: Final

Contact Information
Name / Title: Ryan Davis  / Program Manager, Office of Dairy and Foods
Address: P.O. Box 1163
Richmond, 23218
Email Address: ryan.davis@vdacs.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)786-8899    FAX: (804)371-7792    TDD: ()-