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Dairy Farm Manual

Contents

  • Item 1r - Abnormal Milk
  • Item 2r - Milking Barn, Stable or Parlor - Construction
  • Item 3r - Milking Barn, Stable or Parlor - Cleanliness
  • Item 4r - Cowyard
  • Item 5r - Milkhouse or Room - Construction and Facilities
  • Item 6r - Milkhouse or Room - Cleanliness
  • Item 7r - Toilet
  • Item 8r - Water Supply
  • Item 9r - Utensils and Equipment - Construction
  • Item 10r - Utensils and Equipment - Cleaning
  • Item 11r - Utensils and Equipment - Sanitation
  • Item 12r - Utensils and Equipment - Storage
  • Item 13r - Milking - Flanks, Udders and Teats
  • Item 14r - Protection from Contamination
  • Item 15r - Drug and Chemical Control
  • Item 16r - Personnel - Hand- Washing Facilities
  • Item 17r - Personnel - Cleanliness
  • Item 18r - Cooling
  • Item 19r - Insect and Rodent Control

Forward

The materials included in this packet are intended to assist the dairy producer in meeting inspection requirements for Grade A dairies. Our goal is to obtain voluntary compliance in a manner that is mutually beneficial to the industry and the consumer.

As the holder of a Grade A license, you have accepted certain responsibilities in order to sell a Grade A product. The enclosed information discusses the elements that are reviewed during inspection and explains how you can meet the objectives of the public health program.

The federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) sets up criteria for inspections. The complete document is over 300 pages in length.

We have included the following:

  • A list of the most frequent violations from state inspections.
  • Section 7 - Requirements for Grade "A" Raw Milk for Pasteurization.

Washington State's dairy inspection program operates under the requirements of the Public Health Service/Food and Drug Administration Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and state law 15.36 Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Compliance with the PMO is essential for Washington's farm bulk tank units (BTU's) and plants to maintain their listing on the Interstate Milk Shippers (IMS) list. The standards applied in Washington State are national standards, which allow your milk products to move without restriction in interstate commerce.

Please keep in mind the following:

- Grade A requirements are in effect 365 days a year--not just during formal state or federal inspections. Use the material provided to make your own periodic inspection that can alert you to problems and allow time for correction prior to the next state inspection.

- The way you carry out your operation is important to those consumers who are depending on you for a healthful, wholesome product. We will continue to work with you in a cooperative way to ensure the public interest is protected and your products have unrestricted market access.

- If you have any questions, please contact the Food Safety Office in your area for assistance or clarification. For additional information, contact:

Washington State Department of Agriculture
Food Safety & Animal Health Division
P.O. Box 42560
Olympia, Washington 98504-2560

(360) 902-1875


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Dairy Farm Inspection - Most Frequent Violations *

Item No. & Description

2b Milking Barn/Parlor - Walls, Ceilings
3a Milking Barn/Parlor - Cleanliness - Clean/Free of Litter
5a Milkhouse - Walls, Ceilings – Approved Material
5b Milkhouse - Walls, Ceilings - Good Repair
5b Milkhouse - Miscellaneous - Direct Opening
6a Milkhouse - Cleanliness - Floors
6b Milkhouse - Cleanliness – No Trash or Unnecessary Articles
8c Toilet/Water Supply - Water Supply - Cross Connections/Submerged Inlets
9b Utensils/Equipment – Construction – Good Repair
10a Utensils/Equipment – Cleaning – Utensils/Equipment
11a Utensils/Equipment – Sanitization – Multi-Use Containers
12a Utensils/Equipment - Storage – Multi-Use Containers
16a Personnel – Hand-Washing Facilities – Convenient to Milking Operations
19c Pest Control – Insect and Rodent Control - Milkhouse Openings Screened/Protected

* These are the violations most frequently noted from all regions of the state.


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Sanitation requirements for Grade A raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization or aseptic processing


Item 1r - Abnormal Milk

Cows, which show evidence of the secretion of abnormal milk in one or more quarters, based upon bacteriological, chemical or physical examination, shall be milked last or with separate equipment and the milk shall be discarded. Cows treated with, or cows which 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.

PUBLIC-HEALTH REASON

The health of the cow is a very important consideration because a number of diseases of cattle, 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 cow's udders become infected with hemolytic streptococci of human origin, which may result in milk borne 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:

  1. Milk from cows 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.
  2. Milk from cows treated with or exposed to insecticides, not approved for use on dairy cattle by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is not offered for sale.
  3. The regulatory agency requires such additional tests for the detection of abnormal milk as they deem necessary.
  4. 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 cows and the contamination of milk utensils.
  5. Cows secreting abnormal milk are milked last or in separate equipment, which effectively prevents the contamination of the wholesome, supply.
  6. Equipment, utensils and containers used for the handling of abnormal milk are not used for the handling of milk to be offered for sale, unless they are first cleaned and effectively sanitized.
  7. Processed animal waste derivatives, used as a feed ingredient for any portion of the total ration of the lactating dairy animal, have been:
    1. 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
    2. 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.
  8. Unprocessed poultry litter and unprocessed recycled animal body discharges are not fed to lactating dairy animals.


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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. The areas used for milking purposes shall:

  1. 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 B.V., P. 143;
  2. Have walls and ceilings which are smooth, painted or finished in an approved manner; in good repair, ceiling dust-tight;
  3. Have separate stalls or pens for horses, calves and bulls, and not be overcrowded;
  4. Be provided with natural and/or artificial light, well distributed, for day and/or night milking;
  5. 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 be 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 light makes it more probable that the barn will be clean and that the cows will be milked in a sanitary manner.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. A milking barn, stable or parlor is provided on all dairy farms.
  2. 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.
  3. Gravity flow manure channels in milking barns, if used, shall be constructed in accordance with the specifications of Appendix B. IV, page p 139.
  4. Stall barns, when used with gutter grates over manure storage pits, are designed and constructed in accordance with the specifications of Appendix B. VI, page144.
  5. 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.
  6. Bull pens maternity and calf stalls 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.
  7. Overcrowding is not evidenced by the presence of calves, cows or other barnyard animals in walks or feed alleys. Inadequate ventilation and excessive odors may also be evidence of an overcrowded barn.
  8. 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 10 foot-candles of light in all working areas shall be provided.
  9. Air circulation is sufficient to minimize odors and to prevent condensation upon walls and ceilings.
  10. 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. Cattle-housing areas (stables without stanchions, such as loose housing stables, pen stables, resting barns, free stall barns, holding barns, loafing sheds, wandering sheds) may be of shed-type construction, provided no milking is conducted therein. (They are classified as part of the cowyard under Item 4r.)


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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.

Surcingles, 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 uncleanness and the potential for the spread of disease.

Clean milk stools and surcingles (or belly straps) reduce the likelihood of contamination of milker's hands between the milking of one cow and the milking of another.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. The interior of the milking barn, stable or parlor is kept clean.
  2. Leftover feed in feed mangers appears fresh and is not wet or soggy.
  3. The bedding material, if used, does not contain more manure than has accumulated since the previous milking.
  4. Outside surfaces of pipeline systems located in the milking barn, stable or parlors are reasonably clean.
  5. Gutter cleaners are reasonably clean.
  6. All pens, calf stalls and bullpens, if not separated from the milking barn, stable or parlor, are clean.
  7. Swine and fowl are kept out of the milking area.
  8. 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.
  9. Gravity flow manure channels in milking barns, if used, shall be maintained in accordance with Appendix B. IV, page 139.
  10. Stall barns, when used with gutter grates over manure storage pits, are operated and maintained in accordance with the specifications of Appendix B. VI, page 144.

The method of cleaning is immaterial. Dairymen 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.


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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 cattle-housing areas, cow droppings and soiled bedding shall be removed, or clean bedding added, at sufficiently frequent intervals to prevent the soiling of the cow's udder and flanks. 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 cows are apt to congregate, approximately adjacent to the barn, including cattle-housing areas. This area is; therefore, particularly apt to become filthy with manure droppings, which may result in the soiling of the cow's udders and flanks. The grading and drainage of the cowyard, as far as are practicable, are required because wet conditions are conducive to fly breeding and make it difficult to keep manure removed and the cows clean. If manure and barn sweepings are allowed to accumulate in the cowyard, fly breeding will be promoted, and the cows, because of their habit of lying down, will be more apt to have manure-soiled udders. Cows should not have access to piles of manure, in order to avoid the soiling of udders and the spread of diseases among cattle.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. The cowyard, which is the en-closed or unenclosed area adjacent to the milking barn in which the cows may congregate, including cattle-housing areas and feed lots, is graded and drained, depressions and soggy areas are filled, and cow lanes are reasonably dry.
  2. Approaches to the barn door and the surroundings of stock watering and feed stations are solid to the footing of the animals.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. Cattle-housing areas (stables without stanchions, such as loose-housing stables, pen stables, resting barns, holding barns, loafing sheds, wandering sheds, free-stall housing) shall be considered as part of the cowyard. Manure packs shall be solid to the footing of the animals (See Appendix B, P. 131).
  5. Cowyards are kept reasonably free of cattle droppings. Cattle droppings shall not be allowed to accumulate in piles that are accessible to the animals.


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Item 5r - Milkhouse or Room - Construction and Facilities

A milkhouse or room 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 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-compartment wash vat and adequate hot water heating facilities.

When a transportation tank is 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 milk room and shall comply with the requirements of the milk room with respect to construction, light, drainage, insect and rodent control and general maintenance.

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 well equipped milkhouse which is separated from the barn and the living quarters provides a safeguard against the exposure of milk and milk utensils to infection from persons, other than regular milk handlers, and from insects and dust.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. 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.
  2. The floors of all milk houses 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.
  3. 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.
  4. The liquid wastes are disposed of in a sanitary manner. All floor drains are accessible and are trapped if connected to a sanitary sewer.
  5. Walls and ceilings are constructed of smooth dressed lumber or similar material; well painted with a light-colored washable paints; and is 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.
  6. A minimum of 20 foot-candles of light is provided at all working areas from natural and/or artificial light for milkhouse operations.
  7. Windows and solid doors are closed during dusty weather.
  8. The milkhouse is adequately ventilated to minimize odors and condensation on floors, walls, ceilings and clean utensils.
  9. Vents if installed, and lighting fixtures are installed in a manner to preclude the contamination of bulk milk tanks or clean utensil storage areas.
  10. The milkhouse is used for no other purpose than milkhouse operations.
  11. There is no direct opening into any barn, stable 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.
  12. A vestibule, if used, complies with the applicable milkhouse construction requirements.
  13. The transfer of milk from a bulk-holding/cooling tank to a transport tank 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.
  14. Water under pressure is piped into the milkhouse.
  15. 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 (See Appendix B, P.131).
  16. The milkhouse is equipped with a wash-and-rinse vat having at least two compartments. Each compartment must be of sufficient size to accommodate the largest utensil or container used. The cleaning-in-place vat for milk pipelines and milk machines may be accepted as one part of the two-compartment vat. Provided, that the clearing-in-place station rack, in or on the vat, and the milking machines inflation's and appurtenances are completely removed from the vat during the washing, rinsing and/or sanitizing of other utensils and equipment. Where mechanical cleaning/CIP systems eliminate the need for hand washing of equipment, the presence of the second wash vat compartment may be optional, if so determined by the State Regulatory Agency, on an individual farm basis.
  17. A suitable shelter is provided for a transportation truck used for cooling and storing milk. Such shelter shall be adjacent to, but not a part of, the milk room and shall comply with the requirements of the milk room with respect to construction, light, drainage, insect and rodent control and general maintenance. See Appendix B, page 131. For suggested plans and information on size, construction, operation and maintenance of milk houses. When the regulatory agency determines conditions exist whereby the milk tanker can be adequately protected and sampled without contamination a shelter need not be provided if the following minimum criteria are met:
    1. The milk hose connection is accessible to, and made from within the milk room. The milk hose connection to the milk tank is completely protected from the outside environment at all times.
    2. To assure continued protection of the milk, the milk tank truck manhole must be sealed after the truck has been cleaned and sanitized.
    3. The milk tank truck shall be washed and sanitized at the dairy plant receiving the milk or at a wash station acceptable to the regulatory agency.
    4. To prevent overflow from the milk tank truck, which would create unsanitary conditions around the milk house, the milk tank truck shall be equipped with a liquid level sensor device of sanitary design. The sensor device shall deactivate the milk pump or sound an alarm when activated.
    5. 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 45 ° Fahrenheit. (40 ° Fahrenheit in Washington.)
    6. The milk shall be sampled at the direction of the regulatory agency, in a manner so as to preclude contaminating the tanker or sample, by a permitted milk sample collector, or the equivalent. The milk in the milk tank truck shall be effectively agitated in order to collect a representative sample.
    7. The tanker shall be parked on a self-draining concrete or equally impervious surface during filling and storage.


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Item 6r - Milkhouse or Room - Cleanliness

The floors, walls, ceilings, windows, tables, shelves, cabinets, wash vats, non-product contact surfaces of milk containers, utensils and equipment and other milk room equipment shall be clean. Only articles directly related to milk room activities shall be permitted in the milk room. The milk room shall be free of trash, animals and fowl.

PUBLIC-HEALTH REASON

Cleanliness in the milk room reduces the likelihood of contamination of the milk.

ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. The milk room structure, equipment and other milk room facilities used in its operation or maintenance are clean at all times.
  2. Incidental articles such as desks, refrigerators, and storage cabinets may be in the milk room provided they are kept clean and ample space is available to conduct the normal operations in the milk room and will not cause contamination of the milk.
  3. Vestibules, if provided, are kept clean.
  4. Animals and fowl are kept out of the milk room.


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Item 7r - Toilet

Every dairy farm shall be provided with one or more toilets, conveniently located, properly constructed, operated and maintained in a sanitary manner. The waste shall be inaccessible to flies 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, and either by flies or through the pollution of ground water supplies or streams to which the cows have access.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. There is at least one 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 plans and instructions of the State agency responsible and comply with the standards outlined in Appendix C, page 149.
  2. A toilet or privy is convenient to the milking barn and the milk room. There shall be no evidence of human defecation or urination about the premises.
  3. No privy opens directly into the milk room.
  4. The toilet room, including all fixtures and facilities, is kept clean and free of flies and odors.
  5. 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 flies.
  6. Vents of earth pits are screened.


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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 the dairy utensils and containers, may be more dangerous than a similar water supply, which 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:

  1. 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, page 155, and the bacteriological standards outlined in Appendix G, page 199.
  2. No cross-connection exists between a safe water supply and any unsafe or questionable water supply or any other source of pollution.
  3. There are no submerged inlets through which a safe water supply may be contaminated.
  4. The well or other source of water is located and constructed in such a manner that neither under ground nor surface contamination from any sewerage systems, privy or other source of pollution can reach such water supply.
  5. New individual water supplies and water supply systems which have been repaired or otherwise become contaminated are thoroughly disinfected before being placed in use (See Appendix D. P. 155). The supply shall be made free of the disinfectant by pumping to waste before any sample for bacteriological testing shall be collected.
  6. 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-type vent and roof hatch. All new reservoirs or reservoirs which have been cleaned shall be disinfected prior to placing them into service (See Appendix D, P.155).
  7. 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 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 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 times in separate months during any consecutive six 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.
  8. Current records of water test results shall be retained on file with the regulatory agency or as the regulatory agency directs.


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Item 9r - Utensils and Equipment - Construction

All multi-use containers, equipment and utensils used in the handling, storage or transportation of milk shall be made of smooth, nonabsorbent, corrosion-resistant, nontoxic materials, and shall be so constructed as to be easily cleaned. All containers, utensils and equipment shall be in good repair. All milk pails used for hand milking and stripping shall be seamless and of the hooded type. 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.

Milk pails of small-mouth design, known as hooded milk pails, decrease the possibility of hair, dust, chaff and other undesirable foreign substances getting into the milk at the time of milking.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. All multi-use containers, equipment and utensils, 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:
    1. Stainless steel of the ANSI (American Iron and Steel Institute) 300 series; or
    2. Equally corrosion-resistant, nontoxic metal; or
    3. Heat-resistant glass; or
    4. 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 nontoxic, 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.
  2. Single-service articles have been manufactured, packaged, transported and handled in a sanitary manner and comply with the applicable requirements of Item 11p.
  3. Articles intended for single-service use are not reused.
  4. All containers, equipment and utensils are free of breaks and corrosion.
  5. All joints in such containers, equipment and utensils are smooth and free from pits, cracks or inclusions.
  6. Cleaned-in-place 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.
  7. Detailed plans for cleaned-in-place 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.
  8. Strainers, if used, are of perforated metal design, or so constructed as to utilize single-service strainer media.
  9. Seamless hooded pails having an opening not exceeding one-third the area of that of an open pail of the same size are used for hand milking and hand stripping.
  10. 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.
  11. Milk cans have umbrella-type lids.
  12. Farm holding/cooling tanks, welded sanitary piping and transportation tanks comply with the applicable requirements of Items 10p and 11p of this section
  13. During filling, flexible plastic/rubber hoses may be used between the fill valves of bottom 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.

NOTE.--3-A Standards.--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 of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians, Inc. 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 compiles with the sanitary design and construction standards of the Ordinance.


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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:

  1. 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 usage.
  2. There shall be a separate wash manifold for all cleaning-in-place milk pipelines in all new or extensively remodeled facilities.


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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, which 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, equipment and utensils 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:

  1. Complete immersion in hot water at a temperature of at least 77° C (170° F) for at least 5 minutes; or exposure to a flow of hot water at a temperature of at least 77° C (l70° F), as determined by the use of a suitable accurate thermometer (at the outlet), for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Complete immersion for at least 1 minute, or exposed to a flow of at least 1-minute. to a chemical sanitizer of acceptable strength. All product-contact surfaces must be wetted by the sanitizing solution, and piping so treated must be filled. Sanitizing sprays may be used. Chemical solutions, once used, shall not be reused for sanitizing but may be reused for other purposes.

(See Appendix F, P. 191, for further discussion of approved sanitizing procedures).


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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 utensils, 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:

  1. 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 surface 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 cattle. When manual cleaning of product-contact surfaces is necessary, the cleaning shall be done in the milkhouse.
  2. Means are provided to effect complete drainage of equipment when such equipment cannot be stored to drain freely.
  3. Clean cans or other containers are stored in the milkhouse within a reasonable time after delivery to the dairy farm.
  4. Strainer pads, parchment papers, gaskets and similar single-service articles are stored in a suitable container or cabinet and protected against contamination and in a location convenient to their use.


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Item 13r - Milking - Flanks, Udders and Teats

Milking shall he done in the milking barn, stable or parlor. The flanks, udders, bellies and tails of all milking cows shall be free from visible dirt. All brushing shall be completed prior to milking. The udders and teats of all milking cows 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 cows is one of the most important factors affecting the bacterial count of the milk. Under usual farm conditions, cows 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 cow 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 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:

  1. Milking is done in a milking barn, stable or parlor.
  2. Brushing is completed prior to milking.
  3. 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.
  4. Udders and teats of all milking cows are clean and dry before milking. Teats shall be cleaned, treated with a sanitizing solution and dry just prior to milking, except that additional alternative udder preparation methods may also be used once they have been evaluated by FDA and found acceptable.
  5. Wet hand milking is prohibited.


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Item 14r - Protection from Contamination

Milking and milkhouse operations, equipment and facilities shall be located and conducted to prevent any contamination of milk, equipment, containers and utensils. 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, which 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:

  1. Equipment and operations are so located within the milking barn and milkhouse as to prevent overcrowding and contamination of cleaned and sanitized containers, equipment and utensils 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.
  2. All milk, which has overflowed, leaked, been spilled or improperly handled, is discarded.
  3. All product-contact surfaces of containers, equipment and utensils 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 and transport tanks, 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 farm bulk tank must be fitted with effective drip deflectors.
  4. The receiving receptacle is raised above the floor (as on a dolly or cart), or placed at a distance from the cows, to protect it against manure and splash when milk is poured and/or strained in the milking. Such receptacle shall have a tight-fitting cover, which shall be closed except when milk is being poured.
  5. Each pail or container of milk is transferred immediately from the milking barn, stable or parlor to the milkhouse.
  6. Pails, cans and other equipment containing milk are properly covered during transfer and storage.
  7. 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, page 203.
  8. Sanitized product-contact surfaces, including farm cooling holding tank openings and outlets, are protected against contact with unsanitized equipment and utensils, hands, clothing, splash, condensation and other sources of contamination.
  9. Any sanitized product-contact surface, which has been otherwise exposed to contamination, is again cleaned and sanitized before being used.
  10. 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.
  11. Vehicles have bodies with solid enclosures and tight, solid doors.
  12. Vehicles are kept clean, inside and out.
  13. No substance capable of contaminating milk is transported with the milk.

Note:--See items 10p and 11p for information on the construction of bulk milk pickup tankers.


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Item 15r - Drug and Chemical Control

Cleaners and sanitizers shall be stored in properly identified, dedicated end use containers.

Animal drugs and medications and animal drug and medication 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 and medications 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 drug or medications 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:

  1. 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 occur 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.
  2. Equipment used to administer medicinals/drugs is not cleaned in the wash vats and is stored so as not to contaminate the milk or milk contact surfaces of equipment.
  3. Medicinals/drugs intended for treatment of non-lactating dairy animals are segregated from those medicinals/drugs used for lactating animals. (Separate shelves in cabinets, refrigerators or other storage facility satisfies this item).
  4. Drugs and medicinals shall be properly labeled to include the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor (for OTC medicinals/drugs), or veterinary practitioner dispensing the product (for Rx and extra label use medicinals/drugs).
  5. Drugs and medicinal labels shall also include:
    1. Directions for use, and prescribed withholding times;
    2. Cautionary statements, if needed; and
    3. Active ingredient(s) in the drug product.
  6. Unapproved and/or improperly labeled medicinals/drugs are not used to treat dairy animals and are not stored in the milkhouse, milking barn, stable or parlor.
  7. Drugs and medicinals are stored in such a manner that they cannot contaminate the milk or milk product-contact surface of the equipment, containers or utensils.

NOTE: Topical antiseptics, 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 surfaces of containers or utensils.


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Item 16r - Personnel - Hand-washing Facilities

Adequate hand-washing facilities shall be provided, including a lavatory fixture with running water, soap or detergent and individual sanitary towels, convenient to the milkhouse, milking barn, stable, parlor and flush toilet.

PUBLIC-HEALTH REASON

The hands of the milker in his preparation for milking come into contact with almost identically the same kind of material as may have contaminated the udders. During the course of their duties and natural habits outside of the milking barn, the milker's hands must be assumed to have been exposed to body discharges. Washing facilities are required in order to increase the assurance that milker's hands will be washed.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. Hand-washing facilities are located convenient to the milkhouse, milking barn, stable, parlor and flush toilet.
  2. Hand-washing facilities include soap or detergent, running water, individual sanitary towels and a lavatory fixture. Utensil wash and rinse vats shall not be considered as hand-washing facilities.


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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 milk haulers 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 cow's udder. The milker's hands must be assumed to have been exposed to contamination during the course of his 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:

  1. Hands are washed, clean and dried with an individual sanitary towel immediately before milking; before per-forming any milkhouse function; and immediately after the interruption of any of these activities.
  2. Milkers and milk haulers wear clean outer garments while milking or handling milk, milk containers, utensils; or equipment.


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Item 18r - Cooling

Raw milk for pasteurization shall be cooled to 7° C (45° F) or less within 2 hours after 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 cows 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. In order to understand this, it is necessary to recall merely that bacteria are actually infinitesimal plants, and that most plants do not grow in cold weather.

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 dairyman 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, will not multiply.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. Raw milk for pasteurization is cooled to 7° C (45° F) or less within 2 hours after milking. Provided, that the blend temperature after the first milking and subsequent milkings does not exceed 10° C (50° F).
  2. Recirculated cold 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, page 199.


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Item 19r - Insect and Rodent Control

Effective measures shall be taken to prevent the contamination of milk, containers, equipment and utensils by insects and rodents and by chemicals used to control such vermin. Milk rooms 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 utensils. Flies visit unsanitary places, they may carry disease organisms on their bodies and they may carry living bacteria for as long as 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 disease germs, which may multiply and become sufficiently numerous to present a public health hazard. The surroundings of a dairy should be kept neat and clean to encourage cleanliness and reduce insect and rodent harborages.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

This item is deemed to be satisfied when:

  1. 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 4 days in a pile on the ground surface and then spread on the fields; or stored for not more than 7 days in a 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.
  2. 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 fly breeding.
  3. Milk rooms are free of insects and rodents.
  4. Milk rooms are effectively screened or otherwise protected against the entrance of vermin.
  5. Outer milkhouse doors are tight and self-closing. Screen doors shall open outward.
  6. 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.
  7. Only insecticides and rodenticides approved for use by the regulatory agency and/or registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are used for insect and rodent control. (See Appendix B, P. 131, for further information about insect and rodent control.)
  8. Insecticides and rodenticides are used only in accordance with manufacturer's label directions and are used so as to prevent the contamination of milk, milk containers, equipment, utensils, feed and water.
  9. Have covered boxes, bins or separate storage facilities for ground, chopped or concentrated feed.
  10. Feed may be stored in the milking portion of the barn only in such a manner as will not attract birds, flies or rodents. Open feed dollies or carts may be used for distributing the feed, but not storing feed, in the milking barn. Feed dollies, 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:--A convenient inspection form for producer dairy forms, which summarized the applicable sanitation requirements is found in Appendix M, page 311.


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