NEWMARKET, Ont. - Michael Schmidt should find out today whether he is permitted to continue operating his raw milk co-op.
The Durham, Ont., farmer defended himself last year against 20 charges for dispensing milk straight from the cow. In Canada, it is illegal to sell unpasteurized milk, which health officials consider a health hazard.
Schmidt argued the charges laid against him under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Milk Act are unconstitutional and infringe on his rights and freedoms.
Schmidt operates a 150-cow share raw milk co-operative venture, which allows members to own a portion of the cow to acquire raw milk.
At trial, Schmidt argued that government officials and food scientists cannot guarantee the safety of any food, and suggested informed consumers should be able to buy raw milk.
Food scientists and health experts testified that mandatory pasteurization laws are needed to protect public health.
