EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) -- Hundreds of people packed a legislative hearing in Eau Claire Wednesday on legalizing the sale of unpasteurized milk.

The proposed legislation would allow consumers to buy raw milk directly from a farm and give dairy farmers immunity from liability if someone got sick drinking the unpasteurized product.

Advocates say raw milk has powerful health benefits and that consumers should be able to decide for themselves whether the risk is worth it.

The Journal Sentinel reports Margo Redmond told legislators that it isn't the state's role to eliminate all risks for its citizens and intrude unnecessarily into their lives.

The hearing is being held at the Chippewa Valley Technical College.

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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com

Copyright 2010 The AP.