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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Copies of the Uniform Methods and Rules; Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication, Uniform Methods and Rules for Establishment and Maintenance of Tuberculosis-Free Accredited Herds of Cattle, Modified Accredited Areas and Areas Accredited Free of Bovine Tuberculosis in the Domestic Bovine and recommended Brucellosis Eradication, Recommended Uniform Methods and Rules, current at the time of adoption of this Ordinance may be obtained from your State Veterinarian or:
Veterinary Services
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U. S. Department of Agriculture
Federal Center Building
Hyattsville, MD 20782
Or
Federal Area Veterinarian in Charge
VS, APHIS, USDA
Your State Capitol
It is recommended that Regulatory Agencies initiate and/or promote a mastitis control program. A well-planned and extended educational phase will encourage the support of producers and reduce the problems of enforcement.
The National Mastitis Council, Inc., 2820 Walton Commons West, Suite 131, Madison, WI 53718-6797, has studied a large number of existing control programs and has outlined a suggested flexible control program. In addition, review of the current knowledge of mastitis may be found in their publications: Current Concepts of Bovine Mastitis and the Laboratory Handbook Of Bovine Mastitis.
Sanitarians may find the screening test a useful device for detecting abnormal milk. Sample screening methods, as well as somatic cell diagnosis and reduction programs are discussed in the references above as well as the Dairy Practices Council, 51 East Front Street, Suite 2, Keyport NJ 07735 publication: The Field Person's Guide to Troubleshooting High Somatic Cell Counts.
Regulatory action should not be based on the use of mastitis screening tests alone. Screening tests should be used as an adjunct to a complete program of mastitis control and milking-time inspections.
Milk sampling, hauling, and transport are integral parts of a modern dairy industry. Hauling, sampling and transport can be categorized into three (3) separate functions: Dairy Plant Samplers, Bulk Milk Hauling and Sampling and Milk Transport from one (1) milk handing facility to another.
The dairy plant sampler is a person responsible for the collection of official samples for regulatory purposes outlined inSection 6 of this Ordinance. These persons are employees of the Regulatory Agency and are evaluated at least once each two (2) year period by a State Sampling Surveillance Officer (SSO). These individuals are evaluated using Form FDA 2399 - MILK SAMPLE COLLECTOR EVALUATION FORM, which is derived from the most current edition of SMEDP. (See Appendix M.)
The bulk milk hauler/sampler is any person who collects official samples and may transport raw milk from a farm and/or raw milk products to or from a milk plant, receiving station or transfer station and has in their possession a permit from any State to sample such products. The bulk milk hauler/sampler occupies a unique position making this individual a critical factor in the current structure of milk marketing. As a weigher and sampler, they stand as the official, and frequently the only judge of milk volumes bought and sold. As a milk receiver, the operating habits directly affect the quality and safety of milk committed to their care. When the obligations include the collection and delivery of samples for laboratory analysis, the bulk milk hauler/sampler becomes a vital part of the quality control and regulatory programs affecting producer dairies. Section 3 of this Ordinance requires that Regulatory Agencies establish criteria for issuing permits to bulk milk hauler/samplers. These individuals are evaluated at least once each two (2) year period using Form FDA 2399a - MILK TANK TRUCK, HAULER REPORT AND SAMPLER EVALUATION FORM. (See Appendix M.)
The milk tank truck driver is any person who transports raw or pasteurized milk products to or from a milk plant, receiving station or transfer station. Any transportation of a direct farm pickup requires the milk tank truck driver to have responsibility for accompanying official samples.
The criteria for permitting these individuals should embrace at least the following:
TRAINING: To understand the importance of bulk milk collection and the techniques of sampling, all bulk milk hauler/samplers must be told why, and instructed how, in the proper procedures of picking up milk and the collection of samples. The Regulatory Agency, dairy field person, route supervisors or any appropriate person whose techniques and practices are known to meet requirements can conduct this training. If the Regulatory Agency does not conduct the training, the training must be approved by or conducted under the supervision of the Regulatory Agency.
Training also frequently takes the form of classroom sessions in which the trainer describes pickup practices, demonstrates sampling and care of samples and affords the candidate the opportunity for guided practice in these techniques. Basic considerations of sanitation and personal cleanliness, which are important to the protection of milk quality, are discussed here. Officials administering weights and measures may participate in these programs and provide instruction in the measuring of milk and the keeping of required records.
An examination, approved by the Regulatory Agency, shall be administered at the conclusion of this program. Candidates failing the exam, a score of less than seventy percent (70%), shall be denied permits or licenses until indicated deficiencies are corrected. The examination should be adequate enough to determine if a bulk milk hauler/sampler is competent. The exam shall be composed of a minimum of twenty (20) total questions broken down into the following areas:
Six (6) questions relating to sanitation and personal cleanliness;
Six (6) questions relating to sampling and weighing procedures;
Four (4) questions relating to equipment, including the proper use, care, cleaning, etc.; and
Four (4) questions relating to proper record keeping requirements.
Regularly scheduled refresher short courses by the regulatory agents and officials administering weights and measures would assist in maintaining and increasing the efficiency of the bulk milk hauler/sampler.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Experience may include a required period of observation during which the candidate accompanies a bulk milk hauler/sampler in the performance of their duties.
Personal References: Permit applications should be supported by suitable references testifying to the character and integrity of the candidate.
EVALUATION OF BULK MILK HAULER/SAMPLER PROCEDURES: The routine inspection of bulk milk hauling/sampling procedures provides the Regulatory Agency with an opportunity to check both the condition of the bulk milk hauler/sampler's equipment and the degree of conformance with required practices.
The bulk milk hauler/sampler's technique is best determined when the regulatory agent is able to observe the bulk milk hauler/sampler at one (1) or more farms. Each bulk milk hauler/ sampler must be inspected by the Regulatory Agency prior to the issuance of a permit and at least once every twenty-four (24) months thereafter as referenced in Section 5 of this Ordinance. The bulk milk hauler/sampler must hold a valid permit prior to the collection of official samples. States may use inspections from any Regulatory Agency as a means of maintaining record requirements and enforcement.
The procedures for sampling and the care of samples should be in compliance with the current edition of SMEDP.
Specific Items to be evaluated in determining compliance include:
Personal Appearance: Bulk milk hauler/samplers shall practice good hygiene; shall maintain a neat and clean appearance; and not use tobacco in the milkhouse.
Equipment Requirements:
Sample rack and compartment to hold all samples collected.
Refrigerant to hold temperature of milk samples between 0°- 4.4°C (32°- 40°F).
Sample dipper or other sampling devices of sanitary design approved by the Regulatory Agency, clean and in good repair.
Sterile sample bags, tubes or bottles; properly stored.
Calibrated pocket thermometer; certified for accuracy every six (6) months; accuracy ± 1°C (2°F).
Approved sanitizing agent and sample dipper container.
Watch for timing milk agitation.
Applicable sanitizer test kit.
Milk Quality Checks:
Examine the milk by sight and smell for any off odor or any other abnormalities that would class the milk as not being acceptable. Reject if necessary.
Wash hands thoroughly and dry with a clean single-service towel or acceptable air dryer immediately prior to measuring and/or sampling the milk.
Record milk temperature, time, date of pick-up and bulk milk hauler/sampler identification on the farm weight ticket; monthly the hauler/sampler shall check the accuracy of the thermometer on each bulk tank and record results. Pocket thermometer must be sanitized before use.
Milk Measurements:
The measurement of the milk shall be taken before agitation. If the agitator is running upon arrival at the milkhouse, the measurement can be taken only after the surface of the milk has been quiescent.
Carefully insert the measuring rod, after it has been wiped dry with a single-service towel, into the tank. Repeat this procedure until two identical measurements are taken. Record measurements on the farm weight ticket.
Do not contaminate the milk during measurement.
Universal Sampling System: When bulk milk hauler/samplers collect raw milk samples, the "universal sampling system" shall be employed, whereby samples are collected every time milk is picked up at the farm. This system permits the Regulatory Agency, at its discretion, at any given time and without notification to the industry, to analyze samples collected by the bulk milk hauler/sampler. The use of the "universal sample" puts more validity and faith in samples collected by industry personnel. The following are sampling procedures:
Pick-up and handling practices are conducted to prevent contamination of milk contact surfaces.
The milk must be agitated a sufficient time to obtain a homogeneous blend. Follow State and/or manufacturer's guidelines.
While the tank is being agitated, bring the sample container, dipper, dipper container and sanitizing agent for the outlet valve, or single-service sampling tubes into the milkhouse aseptically. Remove the cap from the tank outlet valve and examine for milk deposits or foreign matter and then sanitize if necessary. Protect the hose cap from contamination when removing it from the transfer hose and during storage.
The sample may only be collected after the milk has been properly agitated. Remove the dipper or sampling device from the sanitizing solution or sterile container and rinse at least twice in the milk.
Collect a representative sample or samples from the bulk tank. When transferring milk from the sampling equipment, caution should be used to assure that no milk is spilled back into the tank. Do not fill the sampling container more than ¾ full. Close the cover on the sample container.
The sample dipper shall be rinsed free of milk and placed in its carrying container.
Close the cover or lid of the bulk tank.
The sample must be identified with the producer's number at the point of collection.
A temperature control sample must be taken at the first stop of each load. This sample must be labeled with time, date, temperature and producer and bulk milk hauler/sampler identification.
Place the sample or samples immediately into the sample storage case.
Pump Out Procedures:
Once the measurement and sampling procedures are completed, with the agitator still running, open the outlet valve and start the pump. Turn off the agitator when the level of milk is below the level that will cause over-agitation.
When the milk has been removed from the tank, disconnect the hose from the outlet valve and cap the hose.
Observe the inside surfaces of the bulk tank for foreign matter or extraneous material and record any objectionable observations on the farm weight ticket.
With the outlet valve open, thoroughly rinse the entire inside surface of the tank with warm water.
Sampling Responsibilities:
All sample containers and single-service sampling tubes used for sampling shall comply with all the requirements that are in the current edition of SMEDP. Samples shall be cooled to and held between 0°C (32°F) and 4.4°C (40°F) during transit to the laboratory.
Means shall be provided to properly protect the samples in the sample case. Keep refrigerant at an acceptable level.
Racks must be provided so that the samples are properly cooled in an ice bath.
Adequate insulation of the sample container box or ice chest shall be provided to maintain the proper temperature of the samples throughout the year.
The SSO's conduct periodic evaluations of sampling procedures. This program will promote uniformity and compliance of sample collection procedures.
Milk tank trucks shall be evaluated annually using the requirements established in Sections 3. and 5. of this Ordinance using Form FDA 2399b - MILK TANK TRUCK INSPECTION FORM. (See Appendix M.)
PERMITTING: Each milk tank truck shall bear a permit for the purpose of transporting milk and milk products. (See Section 3. of this Ordinance.) The permit shall be issued to the owner of each milk tank truck by an authorized Regulatory Agency. The permit identification and State issuing the permit shall be displayed on the milk tank truck. It is recommended that this permit be renewed each year pending satisfactory completion of an inspection as outlined in the following Inspection Section.
RECIPROCITY: Each permit shall be recognized by other Regulatory Agencies under the reciprocal agreements of the NCIMS and supporting documents of this Ordinance. A milk tank truck need only bear one (1) permit from an appropriate Regulatory Agency. A milk tank truck may be inspected at any time when deemed appropriate by the Regulatory Agency. Absent proof of a current permit and current inspection, when the milk tank truck is inspected by a Regulatory Agency other than the permitting agency, an inspection fee may be charged to the owner of the milk tank truck. This is necessary to allow a milk tank truck to pickup and deliver in several jurisdictions without the need for more than one (1) permit. A Regulatory Agency may have the option of inspecting any milk tank truck at any time when milk and milk products are transported in or out of a particular jurisdiction. It is the responsibility of the milk tank truck owner or operator to maintain a current proof of inspection to avoid a re-inspection fee. Disputes concerning reciprocal agreements on milk tank truck inspection between Regulatory Agencies may be tendered to the Chair of the NCIMS or the Chair's designee for resolution.
INSPECTION: Each milk tank truck shall be inspected at least once each year by a Regulatory Agency. (See Section 5. of this Ordinance.) A copy of the current inspection report shall accompany the milk tank truck at all times, or the tank shall bear an affixed label, which identifies the Regulatory Agency with the month and year of inspection. The affixed label shall be located near the tank outlet valve.
When significant defects or violations are encountered by a Regulatory Agency, a copy of the report shall be forwarded to the permitting agency and also carried on the milk tank truck until the violations are corrected.
Milk tank truck inspections shall be conducted in a suitable location, i.e., a dairy plant, receiving or transfer station or milk tank truck-cleaning facility. Inspections may not require entry of confined spaces as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. When significant cleaning, construction or repair defects are noted the milk tank truck shall be removed from service until proper confined entry safety requirements can be satisfied to determine cleaning or repairs needed. Cleaning or repairs may be verified by a qualified individual to the satisfaction of the Regulatory Agency.
Inspection reports completed by Regulatory Agencies other than the permitting agency shall be forwarded to the permitting agency for verification of annual inspection as required in the Permitting Section of this Appendix. The permitting agency may use these reports to satisfy permit requirements.
MILK TANK TRUCK STANDARDS: All Items of the Milk Tank Truck Inspection Form fall into the categories of 'Compliance', 'Non-Compliance' or 'Not Applicable' (NA) as determined during the inspection. The following Items relate to Form FDA 2399b (See Appendix M.):
Samples and Sampling Equipment: (When provided.)
Sample containers shall be stored to preclude contamination.
The sample box shall be in good repair and kept clean.
Sample transfer instrument shall be cleaned and sanitized to insure that proper samples are collected.
The sample transfer instrument container is provided and adequate means for maintaining sanitizer solutions is on hand.
The samples are properly stored to preclude contamination.
The sample storage compartment shall be clean.
Samples are maintained at an acceptable temperature (32°F to 40°F) and a temperature control sample is provided.
An approved thermometer is available for use by the sampler. The accuracy of the thermometer is checked each six (6) months with the results and date recorded on the carrying case.
Product Temperature 4.4° C (45°F) or Less:
The product temperature must meet all the requirements of Section 7, Items 18r. and 17p., Cooling of Milk, of this Ordinance.
Product that remains in external transfer systems that exceeds 4.4°C (45°F) is discarded. This includes pumps, hoses, air elimination equipment or metering systems.
Equipment Construction, Cleaning, Sanitizing and Repair: Items A through K on Form FDA 2359b shall be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Construction and Repair Requirements.
(1) The milk tank truck and all appurtenances shall meet applicable requirements of Section 7, Item 10p. - Sanitary Piping and Item 11p. - Construction and Repair of Containers and Equipment, of this Ordinance. Equipment manufactured in conformity with 3-A Sanitary Standards, complies with sanitary design and construction requirements of this Ordinance.
(2) The interior of the milk tank trucks shall be constructed of smooth, non-absorbent, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic material; and it shall be maintained in good repair.
(3) The appurtenances of the milk tank truck includes hoses, pumps and fittings, shall be constructed of smooth, non-toxic cleanable material; and shall be maintained in good repair. Where flexibility is required, the fluid transfer system shall be free draining and so supported to maintain uniform slope and alignment. They shall be easily disassembled and accessible for inspection.
(4) The cabinet portion(s) of the tank, used for the storage of appurtenances and sampling equipment, where applicable, shall be constructed to preclude contamination by dust, dirt; be clean; and in good repair.
(5) The milk tank truck dome lid assembly, vent and dust cover shall be designed to protect the tank and milk from contamination.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Requirements:
(1) The milk tank truck and all of its appurtenances shall be cleaned and sanitized in accordance with applicable requirements of Section 7, Item 12p. -Cleaning and Sanitizing of Containers and Equipment, of this Ordinance.
(2) The milk tank truck shall be cleaned and sanitized prior to its first use. When the time elapsed after cleaning and sanitizing, and before its first use, exceeds seventy-two (72) hours the tank must be re-sanitized.
(3) It is allowable to pickup multiple loads continuously within a twenty-four (24) hour period, provided the milk tank truck is washed after each day's used.
Exterior Condition of Tank: The exterior of the milk tank truck is properly constructed and in good repair. Defects and damage that would adversely affect products contained in the milk tank truck are pointed out on the Milk Tank Truck Inspection Form and corrective actions are prescribed. Cleanliness of the milk tank truck exterior is evaluated with consideration for existing weather and environmental conditions.
Wash and Sanitize Record:
The bulk milk hauler/sampler shall be responsible for assuring that the milk tank truck has been properly cleaned and sanitized. A milk tank truck without proper cleaning and sanitizing documentation shall not be loaded or unloaded until the proper cleaning and sanitization can be verified.
A cleaning and sanitizing tag shall be affixed to the outlet valve of the milk tank truck until the milk tank truck is next washed and sanitized. When the milk tank truck is washed and sanitized, the previous cleaning and sanitizing tag shall be removed and stored at the location where the milk tank truck was washed for a period of not less than fifteen (15) days.
The following information shall be recorded on the cleaning and sanitization tag:
(1) Identification of the milk tank truck.
(2) Date and time of day the milk tank truck was cleaned and sanitized.
(3) Location where the milk tank truck was cleaned and sanitized.
(4) Signature or initials of the person who cleaned and sanitized the milk tank truck.
The maintenance of all information on the cleaning and sanitizing tag shall be the responsibility of the bulk milk hauler/sampler or the milk tank truck operator.
Location of Last Cleaning/Sanitizing:
The location of the last cleaning and sanitizing shall be verified by the Regulatory Agency during any milk tank truck inspection and recorded on the Milk Tank Truck Inspection Form.
Labeling: The maintenance of all pertinent information on all shipping documents, shipping invoices, bills of lading or weight tickets is the responsibility of the bulk milk hauler/sampler. A milk tank truck transporting raw, heat-treated or pasteurized milk and milk products to a milk plant from another milk plant, receiving station or transfer station is required to be marked with the name and address of the milk plant or hauler and the milk tank truck shall be under a proper seal. All shipping documents must contain the following information as outlined in Section 4 - Labeling of this Ordinance:
Shipper's name, address and permit number. Each milk tank truck load of milk shall include the IMS Bulk Tank Unit (BTU) identification number(s) or the IMS listed Plant Number, for farm groups listed with a plant, on the farm weight ticket or manifest.
Permit identification of the hauler, if not an employee of the shipper.
Point of origin of shipment.
Milk tank truck identification number.
Name of product.
Weight of product.
Temperature of product when loaded.
Date of shipment.
Name of supervising Regulatory Agency at the point of origin of shipment.
Whether the contents are raw, pasteurized, or in the case of cream, lowfat or skim milk, whether it has been heat-treated.
Seal number on inlet, outlet, wash connections and vents.
Grade of product.
All information contained on the above described documents shall be verified by the Regulatory Agency and recorded on the appropriate inspection sheet for any bulk milk tank trucks under inspection.
Vehicle and Milk Tank Truck Properly Identified: It shall be the responsibility of the milk tank truck owner or operator to insure the proper and legible identification of the milk tank truck(s) in their possession.
Previous Inspection Sheet or Affixed Label Available: When a milk tank truck transports milk and milk products from one (1) regulatory jurisdiction to another it is not necessary to inspect each milk tank truck upon each arrival. Milk tank truck owners and operators shall carry proof of annual inspection from a recognized Regulatory Agency. A milk tank truck may be inspected at any time or at the discretion of any Regulatory Agency responsible for the milk supply.
Sample Chain-of-Custody: When samples for official laboratory analysis are transported by any individual where the sample chain-of-custody must be established, the driver may be required to carry a valid permitor shall be evaluated biennially for the collection of samples for official laboratory analysis. The criteria from Section I - Evaluation of Bulk Milk Hauler/ Sampler Procedures, Item 7 - Sampling Responsibilities of this Appendix will be used as the basis for the evaluation. As an alternative, a sample case sealed as required by the Regulatory Agency may be accepted.