Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (2003 Revision)
Standards for Grade "A" Raw Milk for Pasteurization,
Ultra-pasteurization or Aseptic Processing
(Table of Contents)
ITEM 1r. ABNORMAL MILK
Lactating animals which show evidence of the secretion of
milk with abnormalities in one (1) or more quarters, based upon
bacteriological, chemical or physical examination, shall be milked last or with
separate equipment and the milk shall be discarded. Lactating animals
producing contaminated milk, that is, lactating animals which have been treated
with, have consumed chemical, medicinal or radioactive agents, which are
capable of being secreted in the milk and which, in the judgment of the
Regulatory Agency, may be deleterious to human health, shall be milked last or
with separate equipment and the milk disposed of as the Regulatory Agency may
direct. (For applicability to Automatic Milking Installations (AMIs),
refer to Appendix Q.)
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
The health of lactating animals is a very important
consideration because a number of diseases of lactating animals, including
salmonellosis, staphylococcal infection and streptococcal infection, may be
transmitted to man through the medium of milk. The organisms of most of
these diseases may get into the milk either directly from the udder or
indirectly through infected body discharges which may drop, splash or be blown
into the milk.
Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory and, generally, highly
communicable disease of the bovine udder. Usually, the inciting organism
is a streptococcus of bovine origin (type B), but a staphylococcus or other
infectious agent often causes the disease. Occasionally lactating
animal's udders become infected with hemolytic streptococci of human origin,
which may result in milkborne epidemics of scarlet fever or septic sore throat.
The toxins of staphylococci and possibly other organisms in milk may cause
severe gastroenteritis. Some of these toxins are not destroyed by
pasteurization.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Milk from lactating animals being treated with medicinal
agents, which are capable of being secreted in the milk, is not offered for
sale for such a period as is recommended by the attending veterinarian or
as indicated on the package label of the medicinal agent.
- Milk from lactating animals treated with or exposed to
insecticides, not approved for use on dairy animals by the EPA, is not offered
for sale.
- The Regulatory Agency requires such additional tests for
the detection of milk with abnormalities, as they deem necessary.
- Bloody, stringy, off-colored milk, or milk that is
abnormal to sight or odor, is so handled and disposed of as to preclude the
infection of other lactating animals and the contamination of milk utensils.
- Lactating animals secreting milk with abnormalities are
milked last or in separate equipment, which effectively prevents the
contamination of the wholesome supply. Milking equipment used on animals
with abnormalities in their milk is maintained clean to reduce the possibility
of
re-infecting or cross infection of the dairy animals.
- Equipment, utensils and containers used for the handling
of milk with abnormalities are not used for the handling of milk to be offered
for sale, unless they are first cleaned and effectively sanitized.
- Processed animal waste derivatives, used as a feed
ingredient for any portion of the total ration of the lactating dairy animal,
have been:
- Properly processed in accordance with at least those
requirements contained in the Model Regulations for Processed Animal
Wastes developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials;
and
- Do not contain levels of deleterious substances,
harmful pathogenic organisms or other toxic substances, which are secreted
in the milk at any level, which may be deleterious to human health.
- Unprocessed poultry litter and unprocessed recycled
animal body discharges are not fed to lactating dairy animals.
ITEM 2r. MILKING BARN, STABLE OR PARLOR - CONSTRUCTION
A milking barn, stable or parlor shall be provided on all
dairy farms in which the milking herd shall be housed during milking time
operations. (For applicability to AMIs, refer to Appendix Q.) The areas
used for milking purposes shall:
- Have floors constructed of concrete or equally impervious
materials. Provided, convalescent (maternity) pens located in milking
areas of stanchion-type barns may be used when they comply with the guidelines
specified in Appendix C., III.
- Have walls and ceilings, which are smooth, painted or
finished in an approved manner; in good repair; and ceiling dust-tight.
- Have separate stalls or pens for horses, calves and
bulls, and not be overcrowded.
- Be provided with natural and/or artificial light,
well distributed, for day and/or night milking.
- Provide sufficient air space and air circulation to
prevent condensation and excessive odors.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
When milking is done elsewhere than in a suitable place
provided for this purpose, the milk may become contaminated. Floors
constructed of concrete or other impervious materials can be kept clean more
easily than floors constructed of wood, earth or similar materials and are;
therefore, more apt to be kept clean. Painted, or properly finished walls
and ceilings encourage cleanliness. Tight ceilings reduce the likelihood of
dust and extraneous material getting into the milk. Adequate lighting
makes it more probable that the barn will be clean and that the lactating
animals will be milked in a sanitary manner.
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- A milking barn, stable or parlor is provided on
all dairy farms.
- Gutters, floors and feed troughs are constructed of good
quality concrete or equally impervious material. Floors shall be easily
cleaned, brushed surfaces permitted; be graded to drain; maintained in good
repair; and free of excessive breaks or worn areas that may create pools.
- Gravity flow manure channels in milking barns, if
used, shall be constructed in accordance with the specifications of Appendix
C., II. or acceptable to the Regulatory Agency.
- Stall barns, when used with gutter grates over manure
storage pits, are designed and constructed in accordance with the
specifications of Appendix C., IV. or acceptable to the Regulatory Agency.
- Walls and ceilings are finished with wood, tile,
smooth-surfaced concrete, cement plaster, brick or other equivalent materials
with light colored surfaces. Walls, partitions, doors, shelves, windows
and ceilings shall be kept in good repair; and surfaces shall be refinished
whenever wear or discoloration is evident.
Whenever feed is stored overhead,
ceilings shall be constructed to prevent the sifting of chaff and dust into
the milking barn,
stable or parlor. If a hay opening is provided from a loft, which is
open into the milking portion of the barn, such openings shall be provided
with a
dust-tight door, which shall be kept closed during milking operations.
- Bull pens, maternity, calf and horse stalls are
partitioned from the milking portion of the barn. Such portions of the barn
that are not separated by tight partitions shall comply with all the
requirements of this Item.
- Overcrowding is not evidenced by the presence of
calves, lactating animals or other barnyard animals in walks or feed
alleys. Inadequate ventilation and excessive odors may also be evidence
of an overcrowded barn.
- The milking barn is provided with natural and/or
artificial light to insure that all surfaces and particularly the working areas
will be plainly visible. The equivalent of at least ten (10) foot-candles
(110 lux) of light in all working areas shall be provided.
- Air circulation is sufficient to minimize odors
and to prevent condensation upon walls and ceilings.
- A dust-tight partition, provided with doors that are
kept closed, except when in actual use, shall separate the milking portion
of the barn from any feed room or silo in which feed is ground or mixed,
or in
which sweet feed is stored.
When conditions warrant, the Regulatory Agency may approve a
barn without four walls extending from floor to roof, or a shed-type barn
provided the requirement of Item 3r, prohibiting animals and fowl from entering
the barn is satisfied.
ITEM
3r. MILKING BARN, STABLE OR PARLOR - CLEANLINESS
The interior shall be kept clean. Floors, walls, ceilings,
windows, pipelines and equipment shall be free of filth and/or litter and shall
be clean. Swine and fowl shall be kept out of the milking area.
Feed shall be stored in a manner that will not increase the
dust content of the air or interfere with the cleaning of the floor. (For
applicability to AMIs, refer to Appendix Q.)
Surcingles, or belly straps, milk stools and antikickers
shall be kept clean and stored above the floor.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
A clean interior reduces the chances of contamination of the
milk or milk pails during milking. The presence of other animals increases the
potential for the spread of disease. Clean milk stools and surcingles reduce
the likelihood of contamination of the milker's hands between the milking of
one (1) lactating animal and the milking of another.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- The interior of the milking barn, stable or parlor is
kept clean.
- Leftover feed in feed mangers appears fresh and is not
wet or soggy.
- The bedding material, if used, does not contain more
manure than has accumulated since the previous milking.
- Outside surfaces of pipeline systems located in the milking
barn, stable or parlor are reasonably clean.
- Gutter cleaners are reasonably clean.
- All pens, calf stalls and bull pens, if not
separated from the milking barn, stable or parlor, are clean.
- Swine and fowl are kept out of the milking area.
- Milk stools are not padded and are constructed to be
easily cleaned. Milk stools, surcingles and antikickers are kept clean and
are stored above the floor in a clean place in the milking barn, stable,
parlor or
milkhouse, when not in use.
- Gravity flow manure channels in milking barns, if
used, shall be maintained in accordance with Appendix C., II.
- Stall barns, when used with gutter grates over manure
storage pits, are operated and maintained in accordance with the specifications
of Appendix C., IV.
The method of cleaning is immaterial. Dairy operators whose
barns are provided with water under pressure should scrub the floors after each
milking with a stiff-bristled brush. In barns in which water under
pressure is not available, the floors may be brushed-dry and limed. In
the latter event, care should be exercised to prevent caking of the lime. When
lime or phosphate is used, it shall be spread evenly on the floor as a thin
coating. If clean floors are not maintained by this method, the sanitarian
should require cleaning with water.
ITEM 4r. COWYARD
The cowyard shall be graded and drained and shall have no
standing pools of water or accumulations of organic wastes. Provided, that in
loafing or lactating animal-housing areas, lactating animal droppings and
soiled bedding shall be removed, or clean bedding added, at sufficiently
frequent intervals to prevent the soiling of the lactating animal's udder and
flanks. Cooling ponds shall be allowed provided they are constructed and
maintained in a manner that does not result in the visible soiling of flanks,
udders, bellies and tails of lactating animals exiting the pond. Waste feed
shall not be allowed to accumulate. Manure packs shall be properly
drained and shall provide a reasonably firm footing. Swine shall be kept
out of the cowyard.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
The cowyard is interpreted to be that enclosed or unenclosed
area in which the lactating animals are apt to congregate, approximately
adjacent to the barn, including animal-housing areas. This area is; therefore,
particularly apt to become filthy with manure droppings, which may result in
the soiling of the lactating animal's udders and flanks. The grading and
drainage of the cowyard, as far as is practicable, is required because wet conditions
are conducive to fly breeding and make it difficult to keep manure removed and
the lactating animals clean. If manure and barn sweepings are allowed to
accumulate in the cowyard, fly breeding will be promoted, and the lactating
animals, because of their habit of lying down, will be more apt to have
manure-soiled udders. Lactating animals should not have access to piles
of manure, in order to avoid the soiling of udders and the spread of diseases
among dairy animals.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- The cowyard, which is the enclosed or unenclosed area
adjacent to the milking barn in which the lactating animals may congregate,
including animal-housing areas and feed lots, is graded and drained,
depressions and soggy areas are filled, and lactating animal's lanes are
reasonably dry.
- Approaches to the barn door and the surroundings of
stock watering and feed stations are solid to the footing of the animals.
- Wastes from the barn or milkhouse are not allowed
to pool in the cowyard. Cowyards, which are muddy due to recent rains,
should not be considered as violating this Item.
- Manure, soiled bedding and waste feed are not
stored or permitted to accumulate therein in such a manner as to permit the
soiling of cow's udders and flanks. Animal-housing areas, stables without
stanchions, such as loose-housing stables, pen stables, resting barns, holding
barns, loafing sheds, wandering sheds and free-stall housing, shall be
considered as part of the cowyard. Manure packs shall be solid to the
footing of the animals. (Refer to Appendix C.)
- Cowyards are kept reasonably free of animal droppings. Animal
droppings shall not be allowed to accumulate in piles that are accessible
to the animals.
ITEM 5r. MILKHOUSE - CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES
A milkhouse of sufficient size shall be provided, in which
the cooling, handling and storing of milk and the washing, sanitizing and
storing of milk containers and utensils shall be conducted, except as provided
for in Item 12r of this Section.
The milkhouse shall be provided with a smooth floor
constructed of concrete or equally impervious material; graded to drain; and
maintained in good repair. Liquid waste shall be disposed of in a
sanitary manner. Floor drains shall be accessible and shall be trapped if
connected to a sanitary sewer system.
The walls and ceilings shall be constructed of smooth
material; be in good repair; and be well painted, or finished in an equally
suitable manner.
The milkhouse shall have adequate natural and/or artificial
light and be well ventilated.
The milkhouse shall be used for no other purpose than
milkhouse operations. There shall be no direct opening into any barn,
stable or parlor or into a room used for domestic purposes. Provided,
that a direct opening between the milkhouse and milking barn, stable or parlor
is permitted when a tight-fitting, self-closing, solid door(s) hinged to be
single or double acting is provided. Screened vents in the wall between the
milkhouse and a breezeway, which separates the milkhouse from the milking
parlor, are permitted, provided animals are not housed within the milking
facility.
Water under pressure shall be piped into the milkhouse.
The milkhouse shall be equipped with a two (2) compartment
wash vat and adequate hot water heating facilities.
A transportation tank may be used for the cooling and/or
storage of milk on the dairy farm. Such tank shall be provided with a
suitable shelter for the receipt of milk. Such shelter shall be adjacent to,
but not a part of, the milkhouse and shall comply with the requirements of the
milkhouse with respect to construction items: lighting; drainage; insect and
rodent control; and general maintenance. In addition, the following
minimum criteria shall be met:
- An accurate, accessible temperature recording device
shall be installed in the milk line downstream from an effective cooling
device, which cools the milk to 7°C (45°F) or less. An indicating
thermometer shall be installed as close as possible to the recording device
for
verification of recording temperatures. This indicating thermometer shall
comply with all applicable requirements in Appendix H. This thermometer shall
be used to check the recording thermometer during the regulatory inspection
and the results recorded on the recording chart.
- The milk shall be sampled at the direction of the
Regulatory Agency in a manner so as to preclude contaminating the milk tank
truck or sample, by a permitted milk sample collector.
- The milk tank truck shall be effectively agitated in
order to collect a representative sample.
When the Regulatory Agency determines conditions exist
whereby the milk tank truck can be adequately protected and sampled without
contamination, a shelter need not be provided if the following minimum criteria
are met:
- The milk hose connection is accessible to, and made from
within, the milkhouse. The milk hose connection to the milk tank truck
is completely protected from the outside environment at all times.
- To assure continued protection of the milk, the milk tank
truck manhole must be sealed after the truck has been cleaned and sanitized.
- The milk tank truck shall be washed and sanitized at the
permitted milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station receiving the
milk, or at a permitted milk tank truck cleaning facility.
- An accurate, accessible temperature-recording device
shall be installed in the milk line downstream from an effective cooling
device, which cools the milk to 7°C (45°F) or less. An indicating
thermometer shall be installed as close as possible to the recording device
for
verification of recording temperatures. This indicating thermometer shall
comply with all applicable requirements in Appendix H. This thermometer shall
be used to check the recording thermometer during the regulatory inspection
and the results recorded on the recording chart.
- The milk shall be sampled at the direction of the
Regulatory Agency, in a manner so as to preclude contaminating the milk tank
truck or sample, by a permitted milk sample collector. The milk in
the milk tank truck shall be effectively agitated in order to collect a
representative sample.
- The milk tank truck shall be parked on a
self-draining concrete or equally impervious surface during filling and
storage.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Unless a suitable, separate place is provided for the
cooling, handling and storing of milk and for the washing, sanitizing and
storage of milk utensils, the milk or the utensils may become
contaminated. Construction, which permits easy cleaning, promotes
cleanliness. A well-drained floor of concrete or other impervious
material promotes cleanliness. Ample light promotes cleanliness, and
proper ventilation reduces the likelihood of odors and condensation. A
milkhouse that is separated from the barn, stable or parlor and the living quarters
provides a safeguard against the exposure of milk and milk equipment and
utensils to contamination.
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- A separate milkhouse of sufficient size is provided for
the cooling, handling and storing of milk and the washing, sanitizing and
storing of milk containers and utensils, except as provided for in Item 12r
of this Section.
- The floors of all milkhouses are constructed of good
quality concrete (float finish permissible), or equally impervious tile,
or brick laid closely with impervious material, or metal surfacing with impervious
joints or other material the equivalent of concrete and maintained free of
breaks, depressions and surface peelings.
- The floor slopes to drain so that there are no
pools of standing water. The joints between the floor and the walls
shall be watertight.
- Liquid wastes are disposed of in a sanitary
manner. All floor drains are accessible and are trapped if connected to
a sanitary sewer.
- Walls and ceilings are constructed of smooth dressed
lumber or similar material; well painted with a light-colored washable paint;
and are in good repair. Surfaces and joints shall be tight and smooth.
Sheet metal, tile, cement block, brick, concrete, cement plaster or similar
materials of light color may be used and the surfaces and joints shall be
smooth.
- A minimum of twenty (20) foot-candles (220 lux) of
light is provided at all working areas from natural and/or artificial light
for milkhouse operations.
- The milkhouse is adequately ventilated to minimize
condensation on floors, walls, ceilings and clean utensils.
- Vents, if installed, and lighting fixtures are installed
in a manner to preclude the contamination of bulk milk tanks or clean utensil
storage areas.
- The milkhouse is used for no other purpose than
milkhouse operations.
- There is no direct opening into any barn, stable or
parlor or room used for domestic purposes. Except that an opening between
the milkhouse and milking barn, stable or parlor is permitted when a tight-fitting,
self-closing, solid door(s) hinged to be single or double acting is provided.
Except
that screened vents are permitted in the wall between the milkhouse and a
breezeway, which separates the milkhouse from the milking parlor, provided
animals are not housed within the milking facility.
- A vestibule, if used, complies with the applicable
milkhouse construction requirements.
- The transfer of milk from a bulk milk tank to a bulk
milk pickup tanker is through a hose port located in the milkhouse wall.
The port shall be fitted with a tight door, which shall be in good repair. It
shall be kept closed except when the port is in use. An easily cleanable
surface shall be constructed under the hose port, adjacent to the outside
wall and sufficiently large to protect the milk hose from contamination.
Provided,
milk can be transferred from a bulk milk tank to a bulk milk pickup tanker
by stubbing the milk transfer and associated
mechanically cleaned lines outside the milkhouse wall, provided:
- A
concrete slab of adequate size, to protect the transfer hose, shall
be provided under the stubbed sanitary milk and mechanically cleaned
lines.
- The
outside wall of the milkhouse, where the sanitary piping and concrete
slab are located shall be properly maintained and kept in good repair.
- The
sanitary piping, stubbed outside the milkhouse, shall be properly
sloped to assure complete drainage and the ends of the piping, which
are located
outside,
shall be capped when the transfer hose is disconnected.
- After
the completion of milk transfer, the milk lines and transfer hose
shall be properly mechanically cleaned.
- After
the mechanical cleaning process has been completed; the transfer
hose shall be disconnected, drained and stored in the milkhouse. Proper
storage
of the
transfer hose includes capping the ends and storing the entire hose
up off the
floor. The sanitary piping outside the milkhouse shall be capped
at all times, except when transferring milk or being mechanically cleaned.
When
the caps
are not being used, they shall be properly cleaned and sanitized
after each use and
stored in the milkhouse to protect them from contamination. A transfer
hose manufactured with permanent hose end fittings, attached in such
a manner
that will assure a crevice-free joint between the hose and the fitting,
may be
stored outside of the milkhouse, provided it is mechanically cleaned;
the stubbed piping and hose length are of sufficient design to allow
complete
drainage after cleaning and sanitizing; and the hose remains connected
to the stubbed piping when not in use.
- Means
shall be provided to sanitize the milk-contact surfaces of the transfer
hose and bulk milk pickup tanker fittings prior to the connection
of the transfer
hose to the bulk milk pickup tanker.
- At all
times, the bulk milk pickup tanker manhole openings(s) shall remain
closed, except for brief periods for sampling and examination when
environmental
conditions permit.
- Water under pressure is piped into the milkhouse.
- Each milkhouse is provided with facilities for heating
water in sufficient quantity and to such temperatures for the effective
cleaning of all equipment and utensils. (Refer to Appendix C.)
- The milkhouse is equipped with a wash-and-rinse vat having
at least two (2) compartments. Each compartment must be of sufficient
size to accommodate the largest utensil or container used. The upright
wash vat for milk pipelines and milk machines may be accepted as one (1) part
of the two (2) compartment vat. Provided, that the stationary wash rack, in or
on the vat, and the milking machines inflations and appurtenances are
completely removed from the vat during the washing, rinsing and/or sanitizing
of other utensils and equipment. Where mechanical cleaning/recirculated
systems eliminate the need for handwashing of equipment, the presence of
the second wash vat compartment may be optional, if so determined by the
Regulatory
Agency, on an individual farm basis.
- A transportation tank, with or without overhead
protection, may be used for cooling and/or storing milk on a dairy farm.
If a suitable shelter is provided for a transportation truck, used for cooling
and/or storing milk, such shelter shall be adjacent to, but not a part of, the
milkhouse and shall comply with the prerequisites of the milkhouse with respect
to construction items: lighting; drainage; insect and rodent control; and
general maintenance. (Refer to Appendix C. for suggested plans and
information on size, construction, operation and maintenance of milkhouses)
- In addition, the following minimum criteria shall be
met:
- An
accurate, accessible temperature-recording device shall be installed
in the milk line downstream from an effective cooling device that cools
the milk
to 7°C (45°F) or less. An indicating thermometer shall be installed as close as
possible to the recording device for verification of recording temperatures.
This indicating thermometer shall comply with all applicable requirements in
Appendix H. This thermometer shall be used to check the recording
thermometer during the regulatory inspection and the results recorded
on the recording chart.
- The milk
shall be sampled at the direction of the Regulatory Agency in a manner
so as to preclude contaminating the milk tank truck or sample, by an
acceptable
milk
sample collector.
- The milk
tank truck shall be effectively agitated in order to collect a representative
sample.
When the Regulatory Agency determines conditions exist whereby
the milk tank truck can be adequately protected and sampled without
contamination, a shelter need not be provided if the following minimum criteria
are met:
- The milk
hose connection is accessible to, and made from within, the milkhouse. The
milk hose connection to the milk tank truck is completely protected from
the outside environment at all times.
- To assure
continued protection of the milk, the milk tank truck manhole must be sealed
after the truck has been cleaned and sanitized.
- The milk
tank truck shall be washed and sanitized at the permitted milk plant, receiving
station or transfer station receiving the milk or at a permitted milk tank
truck cleaning facility.
- An
accurate, accessible temperature-recording device shall be installed in the
milk line downstream from an effective cooling device, which cools the milk
to below 7°C (45°F). An indicating thermometer shall be installed
as close as possible to the recording device for verification of recording
temperatures.
This indicating thermometer shall comply with all applicable requirements
in Appendix H. This thermometer shall be used to check the recording thermometer
during the regulatory inspection and the results recorded on the recording
chart.
- The milk shall be sampled at the direction of
the Regulatory Agency, in a manner so as to preclude contaminating the milk
tank truck or sample, by a permitted milk sample collector. The milk
in the milk tank truck shall be effectively agitated in order to collect
a
representative sample.
- The milk tank truck shall be parked on a self-draining
concrete or equally impervious surface during filling and storage.
ITEM 6r. MILKHOUSE - CLEANLINESS
The floors, walls, ceilings, windows, tables, shelves,
cabinets, wash vats, non-product-contact surfaces of milk containers, utensils
and equipment and other milkhouse equipment shall be clean. Only articles
directly related to milkhouse activities shall be permitted in the
milkhouse. The milkhouse shall be free of trash, animals and fowl.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Cleanliness in the milkhouse reduces the likelihood of
contamination of the milk.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- The milkhouse structure, equipment and other milkhouse
facilities, used in its operation or maintenance, are clean at all times.
- Incidental articles such as desks, refrigerators,
and storage cabinets may be in the milkhouse, provided they are kept clean
and ample space is available to conduct the normal operations in the milkhouse
and
will not cause contamination of the milk.
- Vestibules, if provided, are kept clean.
- Animals and fowl are kept out of the milkhouse.
ITEM 7r. TOILET
Every dairy farm shall be provided with one (1) or more
toilets; conveniently located; properly constructed; operated; and maintained
in a sanitary manner. The waste shall be inaccessible to insects and
shall not pollute the soil surface or contaminate any water supply.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
The organisms of typhoid fever, dysentery and
gastrointestinal disorders may be present in the body wastes of persons who
have these diseases. In the case of typhoid fever, well persons (carriers)
also may discharge the organisms in their body wastes. If a toilet is not
fly-tight and so constructed as to prevent overflow, infection may be carried
from the excreta to the milk, either by flies or through the pollution of
ground water supplies or streams to which the lactating animals have access.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- There is at least one (1) flush toilet connected to a
public sewer system, or to an individual sewage-disposal system, or a chemical
toilet, earth pit privy or other type of privy. Such sewage systems
shall be constructed and operated in accordance with the standards outlined
in
Appendix C., or when a Regulatory Agency has more effective standards designed
specifically for that region, these standards may apply, provided, there
is no mixing of animal and human waste.
- A toilet or privy is convenient to the milking barn and
the milkhouse. There shall be no evidence of human defecation or urination
about the premises.
- No privy opens directly into the milkhouse.
- The toilet room, including all fixtures and facilities,
is kept clean and free of insects and odors.
- Where flush toilets are used, doors to toilet rooms are
tight and self-closing. All outer openings in toilet rooms shall be
screened or otherwise protected against the entrance of insects.
- Vents of earth pits are screened.
ITEM 8r. WATER SUPPLY
Water for milkhouse and milking operations shall be from a
supply properly located, protected and operated and shall be easily accessible,
adequate and of a safe, sanitary quality.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
A dairy farm water supply should be accessible in order to
encourage its use in ample quantity in cleaning operations; it should be
adequate so that cleaning and rinsing will be thorough; and it should be of a
safe, sanitary quality in order to avoid contamination of milk utensils.
A polluted water supply, used in the rinsing of dairy
utensils and containers, may be more dangerous than a similar water supply that
is used for drinking purposes only. Bacteria grow much faster in milk
than in water and the severity of an attack of a given disease depends largely
upon the size of the dose of disease organisms taken into the system.
Therefore, a small number of disease organisms consumed in a glass of water
from a polluted well may possibly result in no harm; whereas, if left in a milk
utensil, which has been rinsed with the water, they may after several hours
growth, in the milk, increase in such numbers as to cause disease when
consumed.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- The water supply for milkhouse and milking operations is
approved as safe by the State Water Control Authority and, in the case of
individual water systems, complies with the specifications outlined in Appendix
D, and the Bacteriological Standards outlined in Appendix G.
- No cross-connection exists between a safe water supply
and any unsafe or questionable water supply or any other source of pollution.
- There are no submerged inlets through which a safe water
supply may be contaminated.
- The well or other source of water is located and constructed
in such a manner that neither underground nor surface contamination from
any sewerage systems, privy or other source of pollution can reach such water
supply.
- New individual water supplies and water supply systems,
which have been repaired or otherwise become contaminated, are thoroughly
disinfected before being placed in use. (Refer to Appendix D.) The
supply shall be made free of the disinfectant by pumping to waste before
any sample
for bacteriological testing shall be collected.
- All containers and tanks used in the transportation of
water are sealed and protected from possible contamination. These
containers and tanks shall be subjected to a thorough cleaning and a bacteriological
treatment prior to filling with potable water to be used at the dairy
farm. To minimize the possibility of contamination of the water during
its transfer from the potable tanks to the elevated or groundwater storage at
the dairy farm, a suitable pump, hose and fittings shall be provided.
When the pump, hose and fittings are not being used, the outlets shall be
capped and stored in a suitable dust-proof enclosure so as to prevent their
contamination. The storage tank at the dairy farm shall be constructed
of impervious material; provided with a dust and rainproof cover; and also
provided with an approved vent and roof hatch. All new reservoirs or
reservoirs which have been cleaned shall be disinfected prior to placing
them
into service. (Refer to Appendix D.)
- Samples for bacteriological examination are taken
upon the initial approval of the physical structure, based upon the
requirements of this Ordinance; when any repair or alteration of the
water supply system has been made; and at least every three (3) years. Provided,
that water supplies with buried well casing seals, installed prior to the
adoption of this Section, shall be tested at intervals no greater than six
(6) months apart. Whenever such samples indicate either the presence of
bacteria of the coliform group or whenever the well casing, pump or seal need
replacing or repair, the well casing and seal shall be brought above the ground
surface and shall comply with all other applicable construction criteria of
this Section. Provided, that when water is hauled to the dairy farm,
such water shall be sampled for bacteriological examination at the point
of use and
submitted to a laboratory at least four (4) times in separate months during
any consecutive six (6) months. Bacteriological examinations shall be conducted
in
a laboratory acceptable to the Regulatory Agency. To determine if water
samples have been taken at the frequency established in this Section, the
interval shall include the designated period plus the remaining days of the
month in which the sample is due.
- Current records of water test results shall be retained
on file with the Regulatory Agency or as the Regulatory Agency directs.
ITEM 9r. UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT - CONSTRUCTION
All multi-use containers, utensils and equipment used in the
handling, storage or transportation of milk shall be made of smooth,
nonabsorbent, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic materials, and shall be so
constructed as to be easily cleaned. All containers, utensils and
equipment shall be in good repair. Multiple-use woven material shall not be
used for straining milk. All single-service articles shall have been
manufactured, packaged, transported and handled in a sanitary manner and shall
comply with the applicable requirements of Item 11p of this Section.
Articles intended for single-service use shall not be reused.
Farm holding/cooling tanks, welded sanitary piping and
transportation tanks shall comply with the applicable requirements of Items 10p
and 11p of this Section.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Milk containers and other utensils without flush joints and
seams, without smooth, easily cleaned, and accessible surfaces, and not made of
durable, non-corrodible material, are apt to harbor accumulations in which
undesirable bacterial growth is supported. Single-service articles, which
have not been manufactured and handled in a sanitary manner, may contaminate
the milk.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- All multi-use containers, utensils and equipment, which
are exposed to milk or milk products, or from which liquids may drip, drain
or be drawn into milk or milk products, are made of smooth impervious,
nonabsorbent, safe materials of the following types:
- Stainless steel of the American Iron and Steel
Institute (AISI) 300 series; or
- Equally corrosion-resistant, non-toxic metal; or
- Heat-resistant glass; or
- Plastic or
rubber and rubber-like materials which are relatively inert, resistant
to scratching, scoring, decomposition, crazing, chipping and distortion,
under
normal use conditions; are non-toxic, fat resistant, relatively nonabsorbent,
relatively insoluble; do not release component chemicals or impart flavor
or odor to the product; and which maintain their original properties
under repeated use conditions.
- Single-service articles have been manufactured, packaged,
transported and handled in a sanitary manner and comply with the applicable
requirements of Item 11p.
- Articles intended for single-service use are not reused.
- All containers, utensils and equipment are free of breaks
and corrosion.
- All joints in such containers, utensils and equipment are
smooth and free from pits, cracks or inclusions.
- Mechanically cleaned milk pipelines and return-solution
lines are self-draining. If gaskets are used, they shall be
self-positioning and of material meeting specifications described in 1.d.
above, and shall be of such design, finish and application as to form a smooth,
flush, interior surface. If gaskets are not used, all fittings shall
have self-positioning faces designed to form a smooth, flush, interior surface.
All
interior surfaces of welded joints in pipelines shall be smooth and free
of pits, cracks and inclusions.
- Detailed plans for mechanically cleaned pipeline systems
are submitted to the Regulatory Agency for written approval prior to
installation. No alteration or addition shall be made to any milk
pipeline system without prior written approval of the Regulatory Agency.
- Strainers, if used, are of perforated metal design, or so
constructed as to utilize single-service strainer media.
- All milking machines, including heads, milk claws, milk
tubing and other milk-contact surfaces can be easily cleaned and inspected.
Pipelines, milking equipment and appurtenances, which require a screwdriver
or special
tool, shall be considered easily accessible for inspection, providing the
necessary tools are available at the milkhouse. Milking systems shall not
have components incorporated in the return solution lines, which by design
do not
comply with the criteria for product-contact surfaces. Some examples of
these are:
- Ball type plastic valves;
- Plastic tees with barbed ridges to better grip the
plastic or rubber hoses; and
- The use of PVC water type piping for return solution
lines.
- Milk cans have umbrella-type lids.
- Farm holding/cooling tanks, welded sanitary piping and
transportation tanks comply with the applicable requirements of Items 10p
and 11p of this Section.
- During filling, flexible plastic/rubber hoses may be
used between the fill valves of bottom fill and top fill bulk milk storage
tanks, when needed for functional purposes. Such hoses shall be drainable,
be as short as practical, have sanitary fittings, and be supported to maintain
uniform slope and alignment. The end fittings of such hoses shall be
permanently attached in such a manner that will assure a crevice-free joint
between the hose and the fitting, which can be cleaned by mechanical means.
The
hoses shall be included as part of a mechanical cleaning system.
- Transparent flexible plastic tubing (up to 150 feet in
length) used in connection with milk transfer stations shall be considered
acceptable if it meets the "3-A Sanitary Standards for Multiple-Use Plastic
Materials Used as Product Contact Surfaces for Dairy Equipment, Number 20-" and
if it remains sufficiently clear that the interior surfaces can be properly
inspected. Short lengths of flexible plastic tubing (8 feet or less) may
be inspected for cleanliness by sight or by use of a "rod". The
transparency or opacity of such tubing under this condition is not a factor
in determining cleanliness.
- AMIs shall comply with all applicable Grade
"A" PMO requirements and/or 3-A standards.
NOTE: 3-A Sanitary Standards for dairy
equipment are promulgated jointly by the Sanitary Standards Subcommittee of the
Dairy Industry Committee, the Committee on Sanitary Procedure of the
International Association for Food Protection and the Milk Safety Branch, Food
and Drug Administration, Public Health Service, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition, Department of Health and Human Services. Equipment
manufactured in conformity with 3-A Sanitary Standards complies with the
sanitary design and construction standards of this Ordinance.
ITEM 10r. UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT - CLEANING
The product-contact surfaces of all multi-use containers,
equipment and utensils used in the handling, storage or transportation of milk
shall be cleaned after each usage.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Milk cannot be kept clean or free of contamination if
permitted to come into contact with unclean containers, utensils or equipment.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- There shall be a separate wash manifold for
all mechanically cleaned milk pipelines in all new or extensively remodeled
facilities.
- The product-contact surface of all multi-use
containers, equipment and utensils used in the handling, storage or
transportation of milk are cleaned after each milking or once every twenty-four
(24) hours for continuous operations.
- There shall be no partial removal of milk from milk
storage/holding tanks by the bulk milk hauler/sampler, except partial pickups
may be permitted when the milk storage/holding tank is equipped with a seven
(7) day recording device complying with the specifications of Appendix H.
or other recording device acceptable to the Regulatory Agency, provided the
milk
storage/holding tank shall be clean and sanitized when empty and shall be
emptied at least every seventy-two (72) hours. In the absence of a
temperature-recording device, partial pickups may be permitted as long as
the milk storage/holding tank is completely empty, clean and sanitized prior
to the
next milking. In the event of an emergency situation, such as inclement
weather, natural disaster, etc., a variance may be permitted at the discretion
of the Regulatory Agency.
ITEM 11r. UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT - SANITIZATION
The product-contact surfaces of all multi-use containers,
equipment and utensils used in the handling, storage or transportation of milk
shall be sanitized before each usage.
PUBLIC
HEALTH REASON
Mere cleaning of containers, equipment and utensils does not
insure the removal or destruction of all disease organisms that may have been
present. Even very small numbers remaining may grow to dangerous proportions,
since many kinds of disease bacteria grow rapidly in milk. For this
reason, all milk containers, utensils and equipment must be treated with an
effective sanitizer before each usage.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
All product-contact surfaces of multi-use containers,
utensils and equipment used in the handling, storage or transportation of milk
are sanitized before each usage by one of the following methods, or by any
method which has been demonstrated to be equally effective:
- Complete immersion in hot water at a temperature of at
least 77°C (170°F) for at least five (5) minutes; or exposure to a flow of hot
water at a temperature of at least 77°C (170°F), as determined by
the use of a suitable accurate thermometer, at the outlet, for at least five
(5) minutes.
- Certain chemical compounds are effective for the
sanitization of milk utensils, containers, and equipment. These are contained
in 21 CFR 178.1010 and shall be used in accordance with label directions.
(Refer to Appendix F. for further discussion of approved sanitizing procedures.)
ITEM
12r. UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT - STORAGE
All containers, utensils and equipment used in the handling,
storage or transportation of milk, unless stored in sanitizing solutions, shall
be stored to assure complete drainage and shall be protected from contamination
prior to use. Provided, that pipeline milking equipment such as milker
claws, inflations, weigh jars, meters, milk hoses, milk receivers, tubular
coolers, plate coolers and milk pumps which are designed for mechanical
cleaning and other equipment, as accepted by FDA, which meets these criteria,
may be stored in the milking barn or parlor, provided this equipment is
designed, installed and operated to protect the product and solution-contact
surfaces from contamination at all times.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Careless storage of milk containers, utensils and equipment,
which previously have been properly treated, is apt to result in
recontamination of such utensils, thus rendering them unsafe.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- All milk containers, utensils and equipment, including
milking machine vacuum hoses, are stored in the milkhouse in a sanitizing
solution, or on racks, until used. Pipeline milking equipment such as
milker claws, inflations, weight jars, milk hoses, milk receivers, tubular
coolers, plate coolers and milk pumps which are designed for mechanical
cleaning and other equipment, as accepted by FDA, which meets these criteria,
may be mechanically cleaned, sanitized and stored in the milking barn or
parlor, provided this equipment is designed, installed and operated to protect
the product and solution contact surfaces from contamination at all
times. Some of the parameters to be considered in determining protection
are:
- Proper location of equipment;
- Proper drainage of equipment; and
- Adequate and properly located lighting and
ventilation.
- The milking barn or parlor must be used only for milking.
Concentrates may be fed in the barn during milking but the barn shall not
be used for the housing of animals. When manual cleaning of product-contact
surfaces is necessary, the cleaning shall be done in the milkhouse. Provided,
in the case of a milking parlor that opens directly into an enclosed housing
area, through a covered holding area, the holding area may be seasonally
enclosed when:
- There are no manure pit
openings in the parlor, holding area or in the housing area close enough
to affect the milking parlor.
- The cattle holding and housing areas
are maintained in good repair and reasonably clean.
- With respect to dust, odors,
rodents and insects, the entire area meets milking parlor standards and
the parlor is free of evidence of birds.
In addition, construction and
cleanliness items identified above shall be evaluated in the appropriate Ordinance Sections.
- Means are provided to effect complete drainage of
equipment when such equipment cannot be stored to drain freely.
- Clean cans or other containers are stored in the
milkhouse within a reasonable time after delivery to the dairy farm.
- Strainer pads, parchment papers, gaskets and similar
single-service articles are stored in a suitable container or cabinet, in
a location convenient to their use, and protected against contamination.
ITEM 13r. MILKING - FLANKS, UDDERS AND TEATS
Milking shall be done in the milking barn, stable or
parlor. The flanks, udders, bellies and tails of all milking lactating
animals shall be free from visible dirt. All brushing shall be completed
prior to milking. The udders and teats of all milking lactating animals
shall be clean and dry before milking. Teats shall be treated with a
sanitizing solution just prior to the time of milking and shall be dry before
milking. Wet hand milking is prohibited.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
If milking is done elsewhere other than in a suitable place
provided for this purpose, the milk may become contaminated. Cleanliness of the
lactating animals is one of the most important factors affecting the bacterial
count of the milk. Under usual farm conditions, lactating animals
contaminate their udders by standing in polluted water or by lying down in the
pasture or cowyard. Unless the udders and teats are clean and dry before
milking, particles of filth or contaminated water are apt to drop or be drawn
into the milk. Such contamination of the milk is particularly dangerous
because manure may contain the organisms of brucellosis and tuberculosis, and
polluted water may contain the organisms of typhoid fever and other intestinal
diseases. Application of sanitizing solutions to the teats, followed by
thorough drying just prior to the time of milking, has the advantage of giving
an additional margin of safety with reference to such disease organisms as they
are not removed by ordinary cleaning and it is helpful in the control of
mastitis.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Milking is done in a milking barn, stable or
parlor.
- Brushing is completed prior to milking.
- Flanks, bellies, tails and udders are clipped as
often as necessary to facilitate cleaning of these areas and are free from
dirt. The hair on the udders shall be of such length that it is not
incorporated with the teat in the inflation during milking.
- Udders and teats of all milking animals are clean
and dry before milking. Teats shall be cleaned, treated with a sanitizing
solution and dry just prior to milking. Provided that the sanitizing of teats
shall not be required if the udder is dry and the teats have been thoroughly
cleaned (not dry wiped) and dried (manually wiped dry) prior to milking. The
determination of what constitutes a dry udder and cleaned and dried teats
shall be made by the Regulatory Agency.
NOTE: Additional alternative udder
preparation methods may also be used once they have been evaluated by FDA and
found acceptable.
- Wet hand milking is prohibited.
ITEM 14r. PROTECTION FROM CONTAMINATION
Milking and milkhouse operations, equipment and facilities
shall be located and conducted to prevent any contamination of milk,
containers, utensils and equipment. No milk shall be strained, poured,
transferred or stored unless it is properly protected from contamination.
After sanitization, all containers, utensils and equipment
shall be handled in such a manner as to prevent contamination of any
product-contact surface.
Vehicles used to transport milk from the dairy farm to the
milk plant, receiving station or transfer station shall be constructed and
operated to protect their contents from sun, freezing and contamination. Such
vehicles shall be kept clean, inside and out, and no substance capable of
contaminating the milk shall be transported with the milk.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Because of the nature of milk and its susceptibility to
contamination by disease producing bacteria and other contaminants, every
effort should be made to provide adequate protection for the milk at all times.
This should include the proper placement of equipment so that work areas in the
milking barn and milkhouse are not overcrowded. The quality of any air that is
used for the agitation or movement of milk or is directed at a milk
product-contact surface should be such that it will not contaminate the milk.
The effect of sanitization of equipment can be nullified if
the equipment is not protected after sanitizing.
To protect milk during transportation, delivery vehicles
must be properly constructed and operated.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Equipment and operations are so located within the milking
barn and milkhouse as to prevent overcrowding and contamination of cleaned
and sanitized containers, utensils and equipment by splash, condensation
or manual
contact.
- During processing, pipelines and equipment, used to
contain or conduct milk and milk products, shall be effectively separated
from tanks or circuits containing cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions.
- All milk that has overflowed, leaked, been spilled or
improperly handled is discarded.
- All product-contact surfaces of containers, utensils and
equipment are covered or otherwise protected to prevent the access of insects,
dust, condensation and other contamination. All openings, including valves
and piping attached to milk storage tanks and milk tank trucks, pumps or
vats,
shall be capped or otherwise properly protected. Gravity type strainers
used in the milkhouse do not have to be covered. Milk pipelines used to
convey milk from pre-coolers to the bulk milk tank must be fitted with effective
drip
deflectors.
- The receiving receptacle is raised above the floor, as on
a dolly or cart, or placed at a distance from the lactating animals, to protect
it against manure and splash when milk is poured and/or strained in the milking
barn, stable or parlor. Such receptacle shall have a tight-fitting
cover, which shall be closed, except when milk is being poured.
- Each pail or container of milk is transferred immediately
from the milking barn, stable or parlor to the milkhouse.
- Pails, cans and other equipment containing milk are properly
covered during transfer and storage.
- Whenever air under pressure is used for the
agitation or movement of milk, or is directed at a milk-contact surface,
it is free of oil, dust, rust, excessive moisture, extraneous materials and
odor, and shall otherwise comply with the applicable standards of Appendix
H.
- Sanitized product-contact surfaces, including bulk milk
tank openings and outlets, are protected against contact with unsanitized
utensils and equipment, hands, clothing, splash, condensation and other sources
of contamination.
- Any sanitized product-contact surface, which has been
otherwise exposed to contamination, is again cleaned and sanitized before
being used.
- Vehicles used to transport milk from the dairy farm to
the milk plant, receiving station or transfer station are constructed and
operated to protect their contents from sun, freezing and contamination.
- Vehicles have bodies with solid enclosures and tight,
solid doors.
- Vehicles are kept clean, inside and out.
- No substance capable of contaminating milk is
transported with the milk. (Refer to Items 10p and 11p and Appendix
B. for information on the construction of milk tank trucks.)
ITEM 15r. DRUG AND CHEMICAL CONTROL
Cleaners and sanitizers shall be stored in properly
identified, dedicated end-use containers.
Animal drugs and drug administration equipment shall be
stored in such a way that milk, milking equipment, wash vats and hand sinks are
not subject to contamination.
Animal drugs shall be properly labeled and segregated,
lactating from non-lactating. Unapproved drugs shall not be used.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Accidental misuse of cleaners or sanitizers can result in
adulteration of the milk.
Animal drugs can result in adverse reactions in people
sensitive to those residues and can contribute to the development of strains of
drug resistant human pathogens.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Cleaners and sanitizers, used on dairy farms, shall be
purchased in containers from the manufacturer or distributor, which properly
identify the contents or, if bulk cleaners and sanitizers are transferred
from the manufacturer's or distributor's container, that the transfer only
occurs
into a dedicated end-use container, which is specifically designed and
maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications for that specific
product. The label on the dedicated end-use container shall include
the product name, chemical description, use directions, precautionary and
warning
statement, first aid instructions, container storage and maintenance
instructions and the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor.
- Equipment used to administer drugs is not cleaned in the
wash vats and is stored so as not to contaminate the milk or milk-contact
surfaces of equipment.
- Drugs intended for treatment of non-lactating dairy
animals are segregated from those drugs used for lactating animals. Separate
shelves in cabinets, refrigerators or other storage facilities satisfy this
Item.
- Drugs shall be properly labeled to include the name and
address of the manufacturer or distributor for OTC drugs, or veterinary
practitioner dispensing the product for Rx and extra label use drugs.
- Drug labels shall also include:
- Directions for use, and prescribed withholding times;
- Cautionary statements, if needed; and
- Active ingredient(s) in the drug product.
- Unapproved and/or improperly labeled drugs are not used
to treat dairy animals and are not stored in the milkhouse, milking barn,
stable or parlor.
- Drugs are stored in such a manner that they cannot
contaminate the milk or milk product-contact surfaces of the containers,
utensils or equipment.
NOTE: Topical antiseptics and wound dressings,
unless intended for direct injection into the teat, vaccines and other
biologics, and dosage form vitamins and/or mineral products are exempt
from labeling and storage requirements, except when it is determined that
they
are stored in such a manner that they may contaminate the milk or milk
product-contact surfaces of containers, utensils or equipment.
ITEM 16r. PERSONNEL - HANDWASHING FACILITIES
Adequate handwashing facilities shall be provided, including
a lavatory fixture with hot and cold, or warm running water, soap or detergent
and individual sanitary towels, convenient to the milkhouse, milking barn,
stable, parlor and flush toilet.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Adequate handwashing facilities are essential to personal
cleanliness and minimize the likelihood of contamination of the milk.
Handwashing facilities are required in order to increase the assurance that
milker's and bulk milk hauler/sampler's hands will be washed.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Handwashing facilities are located convenient to the
milkhouse, milking barn, stable, parlor and flush toilet.
- Handwashing facilities include soap or detergent, hot and
cold, or warm running water, individual sanitary towels and a lavatory
fixture. Utensil wash and rinse vats shall not be considered as
handwashing facilities.
ITEM 17r. PERSONNEL - CLEANLINESS
Hands shall be washed clean and dried with an
individual sanitary towel immediately before milking, before performing any
milkhouse function and immediately after the interruption of any of these
activities. Milkers and bulk milk hauler/samplers shall wear clean outer
garments while milking or handling milk, milk containers, utensils, or
equipment.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
The reasons for clean hands of the persons doing the milking
are similar to those for the cleanliness of the lactating animal's udder. The
milker's hands may have been exposed to contamination during the course of
their normal duties on the farm and at milking time. Because the hands of all
workers frequently come into contact with their clothing it is important that
the clothes worn, during milking and the handling of milk, be clean.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Hands are washed, clean and dried with an individual
sanitary towel immediately before milking; before performing any milkhouse
function; and immediately after the interruption of any of these activities.
- Milkers and bulk milk hauler/samplers wear clean outer
garments while milking or handling milk containers, utensils or equipment.
ITEM 18r. RAW MILK COOLING
Raw milk for pasteurization shall be cooled to 10°C (50°F)
or less within four (4) hours or less, of the commencement of the first
milking, and to 7°C (45°F) or less, within two (2) hours after the completion
of milking. Provided, that the blend temperature after the first milking and
subsequent milkings does not exceed 10°C (50°F).
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Milk produced by disease-free lactating animals and under
clean conditions usually contains relatively few bacteria immediately after
milking. These can multiply to enormous numbers in a few hours unless the milk
is cooled. However, when the milk is cooled quickly to 7°C (45°F) or
less, there is only a slow increase in the numbers of bacteria.
Usually, the bacteria in milk are harmless, and if this were
always true there would be no reason to cool milk, except to delay souring. There
is; however, no way for the dairy operator or regulating officer to be absolutely
sure that no disease bacteria have entered the milk, even though observance of
the other Items of this Ordinance will greatly reduce this likelihood.
The likelihood of transmitting disease is much increased when the milk contains
large numbers of disease bacteria. Therefore, it is extremely important
for milk to be cooled quickly, so that small numbers of bacteria, which may
have entered the milk, will not multiply.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Raw milk for pasteurization shall be cooled to 10°C
(50°F) or less within four (4) hours or less, of the commencement of the first
milking, and to 7°C (45°F) or less, within two (2) hours after the completion
of milking. Provided, that the blend temperature after the first milking and
subsequent milkings does not exceed 10°C (50°F).
- Recirculated cooling water, which is used in plate or
tubular coolers or heat exchangers, is from a safe source and protected from
contamination. Such water shall be tested semiannually and shall comply
with the Bacteriological Standards of Appendix G.
- All farm bulk milk tanks manufactured after January 1,
2000 shall be equipped with an approved temperature-recording device.
- The recording device shall be operated continuously
and be maintained in a properly functioning manner. Circular charts shall
not overlap.
- The recording device shall be verified every six (6)
months and documented in a manner acceptable to the Regulatory Agency
using an accurate (+/- 1°C (2°F)) thermometer that
has been calibrated by a traceable standard thermometer, within the past
six (6) months,
with the results and date recorded and the thermometer being properly
identified, or by using a traceable standard thermometer that has been
calibrated within the last year.
- Recording thermometer charts shall be maintained on
the premises for a period of a minimum of six (6) months and available
to the Regulatory Agency.
- The recording thermometer should be installed in an
area convenient to the milk storage tank and acceptable to the Regulatory
Agency.
- The recording thermometer sensor shall be located to
permit the registering of the temperature of the contents when the tank
contains no more than ten percent (10%) of its calibrated capacity.
- The recording thermometer shall comply with the
current technical specifications for tank recording thermometers.
- A recording thermometer and/or any other device that
meets the intent of these Administrative Procedures and technical
specifications and is acceptable to the Regulatory Agency can be used
to monitor/record the bulk tank temperature.
- The recording thermometer charts shall properly
identify the producer, date, and signature of the person removing the
chart.
ITEM 19r. INSECT AND RODENT CONTROL
Effective measures shall be taken to prevent the
contamination of milk, containers, utensils and equipment by insects and
rodents and by chemicals used to control such vermin. Milkhouses shall be
free of insects and rodents. Surroundings shall be kept neat, clean and
free of conditions, which might harbor or be conducive to the breeding of insects
and rodents. Feed shall be stored in such a manner that it will not attract
birds, rodents or insects.
PUBLIC HEALTH REASON
Proper manure disposal reduces the breeding of flies,
which are considered capable of transmitting infection by physical contact or
through excreta to milk or milk containers, utensils or equipment. Insects
visit unsanitary places, they may carry pathogenic organisms on their bodies
and they may carry living bacteria for as long as four (4) weeks within their
bodies, and they may pass them on to succeeding generations by infecting their
eggs. Effective screening tends to prevent the presence of flies, which
are a public health menace. Flies may contaminate the milk with
microorganisms, which may multiply and become sufficiently numerous to present
a public health hazard. The surroundings of a dairy should be kept neat and
clean in order to reduce insect and rodent harborages.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
This Item is deemed to be satisfied when:
- Surroundings are kept neat, clean and free of conditions,
which might harbor or be conducive to the breeding of insects and rodents.
During fly season, manure shall be spread directly on the fields; or stored
for not
more than four (4) days in a pile on the ground surface and then spread on
the fields; or stored for not more than seven (7) days in an impervious-floored
bin, or on an impervious-curbed platform and then spread; or stored in a
tight-screened and trapped manure shed; or effectively treated with larvicides;
or disposed of in any other manner which controls insect breeding.
- Manure packs in loafing areas, stables without
stanchions, pen stables, resting barns, wandering sheds and free-stall housing
are properly bedded and managed to prevent insect breeding.
- Milkhouses are free of insects and rodents.
- Milkhouses are effectively screened or otherwise
protected against the entrance of vermin.
- Outer milkhouse doors are tight and self-closing. Screen doors
shall open outward.
- Effective measures are taken to prevent the contamination
of milk, containers, utensils and equipment by insects and rodents and by
chemicals used to control such vermin. Insecticides and rodenticides, not
approved for use in the milkhouse, shall not be stored in the milkhouse.
- Only insecticides and rodenticides approved for use by
the Regulatory Agency and/or registered with EPA are used for insect and
rodent control. (Refer to Appendix C. for further information about insect
and rodent
control.)
- Insecticides and rodenticides are used only in accordance
with the manufacturer's label directions and are used so as to prevent the
contamination of milk, milk containers, utensils and equipment, feed and
water.
- Covered boxes, bins or separate storage facilities for
ground, chopped or concentrated feeds are provided.
- Feed may be stored in the milking portion of the barn
only in such a manner as will not attract birds, insects or rodents. Open
feed dollies or carts may be used for distributing the feed, but not storing
feed, in the milking barn. Feed dollies, carts, fully automated feeding
systems, or other feed containers may be exempt from the use of covers,
provided they do not attract birds, insects, or rodents.
NOTE: Refer to Appendix M. for an
inspection form for producer dairy farms, which summarizes the applicable
sanitation requirements.