Appeals Court Lets Stand California Milk Ruling

September 13, 1999

A California appeals court has decided not to reconsider its ruling that opened the state's milk market to competition. The earlier ruling held that milk could be sold from out of state if it met Food and Drug Administration standards and was clearly labeled.

That ruling broke a decades-long ban on selling milk with added fat and solids as required by California law. The state attorney general's office has not decided whether to appeal the latest decision to the California Supreme Court.

A coalition of dairies and consumer advocacy groups claimed victory with the appeals court decision. Known as "Mad About Milk," the group has charged that California maintains a protectionist milk policy that can be blamed for some of the nation's highest milk prices.