Virginia lawmakers weigh right to buy unpasteurized milk

Virginia lawmakers are considering whether the state's constitution should enshrine the right of consumers to buy unpasteurized milk or uninspected meat directly from farmers.

Activists argued to a House committee Monday that the Virginia Constitution needs to be changed to say that Virginians "shall have a right to acquire" farm-produced food directly from farmers. Supports of the measure said it's needed to protect consumer's rights to have control over what they eat, including unpasteurized milk or uninspected meat.

But several interests groups and Gov. Terry McAuliffe's administration spoke out against the measure. Opponents said the proposal could lead to the increased consumption of unsafe food.

Lawmakers are also considering constitutional amendments that would enshrine Virginia as a "right-to-work" state and allow governors to serve consecutive terms.