The director may ascertain, determine and may fix or refix by investigation and proof, as the emergency permits, the minimum prices to be paid to the producer, the minimum prices to be charged by milk dealers to other milk dealers, processors, subdealers and stores, the minimum prices to be charged by processors to subdealers, the minimum prices to be charged by subdealers to stores, and the minimum prices to be charged the consumer for milk in the several municipalities or markets of this State, under varying conditions, as will best insure a sufficient quantity of fresh, pure and wholesome milk to the inhabitants of this State. The director may take into consideration the various grades of milk produced, the varying percentages of butter fat, plant volume, seasonal production, and other conditions affecting the cost of production, cost of transportation and marketing, and the amount necessary to yield a reasonable return to the producer and to the milk dealer, processor or subdealer. The term grades as used herein shall be for the purpose of fixing or refixing prices only and shall not supersede or abrogate or affect the status of standard or requirement for milk as are or may be established in ordinances of boards of health or other bodies exercising the powers thereof in any municipality.

L.1941, c. 274, p. 722, s. 22.