ITEM 18r. RAW MILK COOLING

Raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging or retort processed after packaging shall be cooled to 10circC (50°F) or less within four (4) hours or less, of the commencement of the first milking, and to 7circC (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 10circC (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 7circC (45circF) 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:

  1. Raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging or retort processed after packaging shall be cooled to 10circC (50circF) or less within four (4) hours or less, of the commencement of the first milking, and to 7circC (45circF) 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 10circC (50circF).
  2. Recirculated cooling water, which is used in plate or tubular coolers and/or heat exchangers, including those systems in which a freezing point depressant is used, is from a safe source and protected from contamination. Such water shall be tested at least once every six (6) month period and shall comply with the Bacteriological Standards of Appendix G of this Ordinance. Samples shall be taken under the direction of the Regulatory Agency and examination shall be conducted in a laboratory acceptable to the Regulatory Agency. Recirculated cooling water systems, which become contaminated through repair work or otherwise, shall be properly treated and tested before being returned to use. Freezing point depressants and other chemical additives, when used in recirculating cooling water systems, shall be non-toxic under conditions of use. Propylene glycol and all additives shall be either USP Grade, Food Grade or generally-recognized-as-safe (GRAS). To determine if recirculated cooling water samples have been taken at the frequency established in this Item, the interval shall include the designated six (6) month period plus the remaining days of the month in which the sample is due.
  3. All farm bulk milk tanks manufactured after January 1, 2000 shall be equipped with an approved temperature-recording device.
  4. The temperature-recording device shall be operated continuously and be maintained in a properly functioning manner. Circular charts shall not overlap. Electronic records that comply with Appendix H., IV. Temperature-Recording Devices Used in Storage Tanks and