Description of Offences: Between June 3, 2023 and August 17, 2023, Abraham Miller operated a milk plant without a licence contrary to the provisions of the Milk Act.
Date of Offences: Between June 3, 2023 and June 29, 2023 and on August 17, 2023
Date of Conviction: April 29, 2024
Penalty Imposed: Three counts of operating a milk plant without a licence, for a total of $4,500, plus a victim fine surcharge.
Background: In spring 2023, ministry staff received information that a farm in Belgrave, Ontario, was operating a milk plant without a licence, contrary to the provisions of the Milk Act. An agriculture investigator was assigned for follow-up. Their investigation found that between June 3, 2023 and June 29, 2023, milk and milk products had been distributed from the farm.
On August 17, 2023, ministry staff from the Regulatory Compliance Unit executed a search warrant at the farm. During the search, it was determined Abraham Miller owned and operated the farm and was processing unpasteurized milk, cheese and butter for distribution from this location without a licence.
On April 29, 2024, after a trial in absentia, Abraham Miller was found guilty and issued a sentence of $1,500 for each of the three counts, plus a victim fine surcharge.
Every person who contravenes the Milk Act or its regulations is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable for a first offence to a fine of not more than $2,000 for each day that the offence continues and for a subsequent offence to a fine of not more than $10,000 for each day that the offence continues.
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