Of the four state milk inspectors currently operating in Massachusetts, three are due to retire in the next two months; and dairy farmers and officials are warning that New England’s milk industry could be thrown into turmoil if they are not replaced.
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The cash-strapped state has issued a general hiring freeze and the inspectors, who are paid between US$30,000 and US$35,000 a year, are classified as non-essential employees
Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Healy, who is himself retiring due to the cutbacks in his department, told the Associated Press: “It’s too scary. Especially now with all the concerns about bio-terrorism and the safety of our food.”
James Hines, head of the agriculture department’s dairy division, added: “People are so used to having a safe milk supply that they take it for granted. But it is safe because of all the layers of checks.”
Furthermore, the impact would spread beyond Massachusetts, as many of the plants in the state are responsible for processing milk from other New England states and New York.
Massachusetts officials are thought to be considering making a special approval to replace the milk inspectors.
