Michael Schmidt was acquitted in a Newmarket court this morning of 19 charges of distributing raw milk and raw milk products.
Justice of the Peace Paul Kowarsky upheld the legislation, but said in this case Mr. Schmidt did not break the law because he was distributing to joint owners of cows and not the public at large.
Mr. Schmidt, a 54-year-old Durham region dairy farmer, and his supporters (seen above after an earlier court appearance) say milk is healthier before it is pasteurized, Canadian health officials deem it unsafe for public consumption.
Ontario's Health Protection and Promotion Act makes it illegal to "sell, offer for sale, deliver or distribute milk or cream that has not been pasteurized or sterilized." Consumption is legal, however.
Thanks for covering this Stephanie! This is an important win!! It is hard for me to believe that drinking milk straight from the source could be so threatening and strange for people. I was raised on raw milk so it seems odd to me. The over regulation on our food in the name of safety is often misplaced and disturbing.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog. Keep it up.