FOX2548 & WIProud

Margarine illegal in Wisconsin? A look at a peculiar state statute

Containers of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and Country Crock spreads sit in a grocery store cooler, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Bellevue, Wash. Margarine's fortunes seem to be taking another sad turn, with the owner of the products looking for someone to take the brands off its hands. Consumer products heavyweight Unilever said it's seeking to unload its spreads business that has suffered from soft sales in the United States and other developed markets. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

(WFRV) – Chilling inside most fridges across Wisconsin are some forms of margarine, but is it actually illegal to sell/serve it?

Wisconsin legislature has a dedicated section just for oleomargarine/margarine regulations, which include selling it, serving it and substituting it for table butter.

In section 97.18 of the Wisconsin State Legislature, people can find oleomargarine regulations. The section includes oleomargarine, margarine, butterine and other similar butter-alternative substances.

In Wisconsin, no person shall sell, offer or expose for sale at retail any oleomargarine or margarine unless a few conditions are met.

Those conditions are:

Additionally, the statute says that colored margarine cannot be served as a substitute for table butter at a public eating place unless it is ordered by the customer. Margarine can also not be served to students, patients or inmates of any state institution as a substitute for table butter. There is an exception that could be ordered by the institution’s superintendent when it is necessary for health reasons.

Those who violate the law can be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500. Perpetrators could also face up to three months in prison.

The full section on margarine can be viewed here.