Food: milk; definition of pasteurized milk ordinance; update. Amends sec. 6 of 2001 PA 266 (MCL 288.476).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Cherry

SB 770 updates Michigan’s pasteurized milk definition to align regulatory standards with modern processing methods and strengthen labeling, safety, and enforcement.

referred to second reading

#food:milk

Bill Summary: SB 770 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

SB 770 seeks to update Michigan’s regulatory framework for milk by amending section 6 of 2001 Public Act 266 (MCL 288.476) to modify the definition of pasteurized milk within the state’s pasteurized milk ordinance. The bill appears to be focused on aligning Michigan’s regulations with current standards for pasteurized milk, enhancing regulatory clarity, and ensuring that the state’s rules reflect contemporary practices in dairy processing.

Key provisions and changes

Amends: Section 6 of 2001 PA 266 (MCL 288.476).

Subject matter: The definition of pasteurized milk within Michigan’s pasteurized milk ordinance.

Change intent: Update how pasteurized milk is defined for regulatory, labeling, and safety purposes to reflect modern processing methods and oversight.

Note: The available summary does not provide the full text of the amended definition or the exact textual changes. The bill’s primary action is to revise the definition used in the pasteurized milk ordinance, which governs standards for milk that has undergone heat treatment to reduce microbial content.

Who or what is affected

Dairy producers, processors, and distributors handling milk regulated under Michigan’s pasteurized milk ordinance.

State and local dairy regulatory agencies administering milk safety and labeling standards.

Consumers who rely on state definitions to determine milk safety classifications and related regulatory compliance.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduced: January 27, 2026, by Senator John Cherry.

Initial referral: Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Progress: Referred to Committee of the Whole (3/10/2026), reported favorably without amendment (3/11/2026), placed on order of third reading (3/11/2026).

Final action: Passed on a roll call vote (YEAS 29, NAYS 6, EXCUSED 2) on March 19, 2026, and received the same day.

Next steps: If enacted, the bill would become law following the standard gubernatorial signature or enactment process (as applicable in Michigan).

Potential impact and considerations

Regulatory clarity: By updating the definition, Michigan may reduce ambiguities in what constitutes pasteurized milk, potentially affecting labeling, inspections, and enforcement.

Industry compliance: Dairy operations may need to adjust processes, documentation, or labeling to align with the new definition.

Public health oversight: Clarified definitions help ensure standardized safety practices across milk processing and distribution.

Compliance costs: Depending on the scope of change, there could be incremental costs to producers and regulators to update procedures, training, and records.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the exact statutory language changes once the bill’s text is available, and provide a line-by-line comparison of the old vs. new definition.