The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture executed a search warrant at Miller’s Organic Farm to investigate whether their raw dairy products were responsible for cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli in Michigan and New York.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Conducts Search at Miller’s Organic Farm
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recently executed a search warrant at Miller’s Organic Farm. The purpose of the search was to investigate whether Miller’s raw dairy products, including raw eggnog, were responsible for cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli in Michigan and New York, which resulted in human illnesses.
( Credit to: Foodsafetynews )
Selling raw milk and raw dairy products across state lines is prohibited by federal law. As a result, the state authorities, accompanied by Pennsylvania State Police for security, conducted the search on January 4th.
Legal Challenges and Consent Decree
This is not the first time Miller has faced legal challenges regarding his farm operations. Last year, Miller’s attorney, Robert Barnes, reached a settlement with federal authorities, known as the Third Consent Decree. The agreement prohibited Miller from conducting livestock and poultry slaughter and processing for sale or distribution. However, he was allowed to market and sell amenable meats and poultry from third-party, USDA-inspected establishments.
Under the terms of the Third Consent Decree, Miller agreed to grant access to all his properties to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The litigation, which began in 2016, concluded in 2023, with the Consent Decree remaining in effect.
Search Warrant and Online Speculation
When state officials arrived at Miller’s Organic Farm, located in Bird-in-Hand, PA, news of the search quickly spread on social media. While the search warrant was executed in accordance with the law, there was significant discussion and speculation online. Miller chose not to comment on the situation, and state officials provided limited information.
In response to the search, attorney Robert Barnes issued a statement criticizing the manner in which it was conducted. He claimed that the Department of Agriculture violated its own rules and regulations by conducting the raid without notice and without reaching out to Miller’s legal counsel. Barnes also alleged that the search warrant was based on false statements made by a high-ranking state official with a bias against independent farmers like Miller.
According to Barnes, the state’s actions were unlawful, as they did not provide advance notice, reasonable time frames for inspections, or proper credentials. He further argued that the state illegally ordered the detention of all the food in one of Miller’s coolers, including buffalo meat that is not subject to federal regulation. Barnes emphasized that the detention order is in violation of Pennsylvania law.
Miller’s Commitment and Conclusion
Despite these challenges, Miller remains committed to providing the food his members rely on. He appreciates the continued support during this critical time for food freedom in America.
It is important to note that the information provided is solely based on the raw content available, and further details or updates may emerge in the future.