(1) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this chapter is to:

(a) Ensure, without undue burden on either the regulatory agency or the dairy industry, that milk, milk products, frozen desserts, and frozen dessert mix sold or offered for sale in this state are produced under sanitary conditions, are wholesome and fit for human consumption, and are correctly labeled as to grade, quality, and source of production.

(b) Encourage uniformity and a high level of sanitation in milk and frozen dessert production practices in this state.

(c) Facilitate the shipment and acceptance of milk and milk products of high sanitary quality in interstate and intrastate commerce.

(d) Ensure the normal flow of fresh wholesome milk and milk products from the farmer to the consumer by uniform regulation of the shelf life of milk and milk products in this state.

(2) INTENT.—

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to:

1. Eliminate, to the extent practicable, overlapping and unnecessary inspections of dairy farms, milk plants, and frozen dessert plants which may be performed by any agency of state or local government.

2. Pay for the regulation of milk and milk products, except as otherwise provided in s. 502.053, through the General Revenue Fund.

(b) It is not the intent of the Legislature to limit the authority of any agency of state or local government to take immediate action incident to the production, processing, or distribution of milk, milk products, and frozen desserts when such action is necessary to protect the public health.

History.—s. 2, ch. 94-92; s. 19, ch. 2011-206.