Comment Re:A good idea (Score 1) 96
ANY dairy product made for sale to the public requires licensing, and yearly inspection of the production facilities for safety compliance. Which makes sense, given the number of foodborne illnesses and poisoning concerns that can come from improper processing and sanitation when dairy is involved. This isn't "excessive licensing requirements" in any way, shape or form, no matter how much dishonest lying-ass conservatives try to misframe it.
The yearly license cost is absurdly low, too. Licensure if you're making yogurt and selling it to the public, year round, is a miniscule $106.
Milk products plant licenses and permits are issued by CDFA for various types of businesses that handle or manufacture milk and milk products. As required by Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) section 35011, a person shall not engage in the business of dealing in, receiving, manufacturing, freezing, or processing milk, or any product of milk unless a license or permit has been obtained from CDFA for each separate milk products plant or place of business. All milk products plants must be inspected and approved by CDFA prior to a license or permit being issued.
A milk products plant license is required for the processing and packaging of products including but not limited to fluid milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, butter and dried milk. Such plants must score a minimum of 80 percent on the official scorecard for milk products plants (FAC 33701) and comply with the requirements for new construction, repairs and sanitation of milk products plants (FAC 33731 - 33782). A separate room dedicated to the manufacturing and packaging of milk products is required, as well as other rooms dedicated to specific operational activities at the facility. The facility may manufacture any quantity of product packaged for sale on or off the premises.
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Milk_and_Dairy_Food_Safety/Milk_Product_Licenses.html