So far post-hearing updates and reports are showing up in the comments thread at the Complete Patient blog:
http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2008/1/17/with-nearly-1000-at-...
Crowd estimates are now ranging widely from several hundred to nearly a thousand, but it sounds like it was a very good showing and a spirited hearing nonetheless.
Here's Mark McAfee's (Organic Pastures) comment from that thread (reproduced in full):
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Some data for AB 1735 and Emergency AB 1604 RAW MILK legislation in CA.
Prior to January 1st 2008, grade A raw milk had to meet two of the requirements of pasteurized milk in order to be sold as raw for human consumption. Grade A raw milk also has additional requirements not required of pasteurized milk. It must be from a dairy herd that is tested annually to be 100% TB Free. Other dairies do not have this testing.
Specifically :
1. Grade A raw milk is tested for human pathogens which can not be detected including: Salmonella, Listeria M, Campylobacter, Ecoli 0157H7.
2. Grade A raw milk had to contain fewer than 15,000 total bacteria per ml which is the same as what is allowed for pasteurized milk after pasteurization.
After January 1st AB 1735 would have added the “less than 10 coliform per ml” requirement. Never has there been this requirement for grade A raw milk for human consumption. This level of coliforms can not be achieved on a reliable basis ( especially when tested in the finished product ) AB 1735 would in effect result in closure of raw milk dairies over time ( less than 100 days ).
AB 1604 overturns portions of AB 1735 and delays any testing of coliforms until July 2008 when coliform levels must be less than 50 in the bulk tank. This level is achievable on a reliable basis.
Coliforms are essential to the safety of raw milk. Their presence strongly inhibits the growth of pathogens. So this level of coliforms is really unsupported and ridiculous when critically evaluated. More coliforms is better for raw milk safety. It is a matter of balance between good and bad bacteria. Coliforms are good and play a positive role in food safety. Most politicians and their handlers do not understand this science.
AB 1604 passed with unanimous consent yesterday in the most amazing showing of democracy ever seen in recent times in CA. There was a public admission of fault and a passionate demand to correct the error. There was also a demand by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill for the heads of those that mislead the legislature in the silent sneak attack to kill raw milk.
There was outrage.
Even Big Dairy GOT MILK people agreed that AB 1735 was an egregious breach of public trust and due process.
There was about 500-600 people present. 500 I love raw milk pins were given away and placed on supporters. There were many who wanted some but we had run out. There are about 400 seats in the upper and lower decks of room 4202. There were many people standing out side in the crowded hall and could not get in.
Makes me very proud to be a Californian. Not just for raw milk but for the health of our democracy. I not only love raw milk…. I love Nicole Parra and what she did for us yesterday!! She took accountability and corrected mistake with all her heart.
She is also lactose intolerant, and from what we have heard she drank some OPDC raw milk last night and everything went well. Perhaps we can earn a new consumer.
What a great day!! Where California goes the world will surely follow.
Keep it raw and keep it green.
January 17, 2008 | Unregistered Commenter Mark McAfee
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Maybe during the six-month window, we can educate the ag committee members about the benefits of coliforms in milk!