Section 480 - Sterilization ProcessThe following chemical sterilization processes are hereby established in reference to Sections 33519 and 33763 of the Food and Agricultural Code:
(a) Only the following methods of application are acceptable: (1) Flowing of a continuous unbroken film of the sterilizing solution in contact with all surfaces to be sterilized for a period of at least two consecutive minutes.(2) Completely immersing the entire piece or pieces of equipment into the sterilizing solution for a period of at least two consecutive minutes.(3) Fogging, spraying or swabbing a sterilizing solution in such a manner that all surfaces to be sterilized are exposed to an unbroken film of the sterilizing solution for a period of at least five consecutive minutes.(4) Applying a paste of the sterilizing agent in a manner which completely covers the equipment surface to be sterilized for at least five consecutive minutes before being rinsed.(5) Any other method of application must be approved by the director.(b) In addition to heat sterilization as provided for by Sections 33519 and 33763 of the Food and Agricultural Code, the following brands or classes of sterilizing compounds have been approved for use on dairy farms, milk products plants, and imitation milk products plants. (2) Quaternary ammonium compounds.(4) Caustic solutions (sodium hydroxide).(c) Chlorine solutions when used by the flowing or immersion method must always have a strength in excess of 50 p.p.m. (parts per million) of active or available chlorine. When used as a fogging or paste method of application the concentration of active or available chlorine in the sterilizing solution must exceed 250 p.p.m. (parts per million).(d) Quaternary ammonium compounds when used by the flowing or immersion method must always have a concentration i excess of 200 p.p.m. (parts per million). If used as a fogging spray, the concentration must always be in excess of 500 p.p.m. (parts per million).(e) Iodine compounds when used by the flowing or immersion method must always have a concentration of active ingredient in excess of 12.5 p.p.m. (parts per million). If used as a fogging method, the concentration of the active ingredient must always be in excess of 25 p.p.m. (parts per million). Iodine compounds used as a combination detergent sterilizer must have the concentration of the active sterilizing ingredient doubled over the amount when used as a sterilizing agent.(f) In a soaker type bottle washer or any other apparatus where sterilization depends upon the causticity of the washing solution, the caustic strength for a given soaking time and temperature must be in conformance with the following table: Temperature (Farenheit) |
| | 170° | 160° | 150° | 140° | 130° | 120° | 110° |
| Time in minutes | Concentration of NaOH, percent |
| 3 | .57 | .86 | 1.28 | 1.91 | 2.86 | 4.27 | 6.39 |
| 5 | .43 | .64 | .96 | 1.43 | 2.16 | 3.22 | 4.80 |
| 7 | .36 | .53 | .80 | 1.19 | 1.78 | 2.66 | 3.98 |
Milking machine rubber parts may be sterilized by filling with or completely immersing in a 0.5 percent caustic (lye) solution and so kept between milkings. Before the rubber parts are used the lye solution must be drained and the rubber parts rinsed.
(g) All equipment to be treated with solutions of any sterilizing agent must first be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before sterilizing except when such sterilizing agent is used in combination with a detergent as a detergent sterilizer. After sterilizing with a detergent sterilizer, the equipment must be allowed to drain and be rinsed with water, treated by heat or a chemical sterilizing agent to assure freedom from viable pathogenic or otherwise harmful microorganisms before use.(h) All solutions, except lye, used for the sterilization of equipment must be freshly prepared and used immediately after preparation.(i) The bacterial standards for sterility for all equipment are those specified in the current edition of "Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products."Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 480
1. Amendment filed 9-21-56; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 56, No. 18).
2. Amendment filed 2-23-62; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 62, No. 4).
3. Amendment filed 4-25-75 as procedural and organizational; effective upon filing (Register 75, No. 17). 1. Amendment filed 9-21-56; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 56, No. 18).
2. Amendment filed 2-23-62; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 62, No. 4).
3. Amendment filed 4-25-75 as procedural and organizational; effective upon filing (Register 75, No. 17).