A Durham area raw milk farmer has been found guilty on 15 of 19 charges he faced related to the sale and distribution of raw milk.
Michael Schmidt had been acquitted of all charges by Justice of the Peace Paul Kowarsky in January 2010.
But the Ontario government and the Grey Bruce Health Unit appealed that decision.
Lawyers for the provincial government had argued that Kowarsky made critical legal errors when he threw out 19 charges against Schmidt.
Schmidt calls the 77 page ruling Thursday by Justice Peter Tetley overturning the acquittals “appalling” and says he will continue his business as usual and plans to appeal.
The Health Protection and Promotion Act makes it illegal to sell unpasteurized milk in Canada because it’s considered a health hazard. It is, however, legal to drink raw milk.
During Schmidt’s trial last year, food scientists and health experts testified that mandatory pasteurization laws are needed to protect public health.
