OTA, IDFA File for Summary Judgment in Dairy Labeling Case

COLUMBUS, Ohio—On July 25, 2008, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) filed a motion for summary judgment in their pending case challenging Ohio’s new rule on dairy labeling. OTA and IDFA originally filed suit in May after the state implemented an “emergency” rule prohibiting labeling of dairy products identifying whether cows were treated with recombinant bovine somatotrophin (rBST), a synthetic growth hormone.

OTA and IDFA are seeking an immediate decision on their request for injunction to stop implementation of the labeling requirement. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has until Aug. 15 to file opposition to the motion for summary judgment. Depositions of Robert J. Boggs, director of Ohio’s ag department, and Boggs’ assistant have been tentatively scheduled for the week of Aug. 18.