Rule 40-2-16-.19 - Protection from Contamination(1)Suitably Located. Equipment and operations must be so located within the milking barn and milkhouse as to prevent overcrowding and contamination of cleaned and sanitized containers, utensils, and equipment by splash, condensation, or manual contact.(2)Effective Separation. During milking and milkhouse operations, pipelines and equipment used to contain or conduct milk must be effectively separated from tanks/silos and/or circuits containing cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions.(3)Discarding Milk. All milk that has overflowed, leaked, spilled, or been improperly handled must be discarded.(4)Preventing Contamination from the Premises.(a) All product-contact surfaces of containers, utensils, and equipment must be covered or otherwise protected to prevent the access of insects, dust, condensation, and other contamination.(b) All openings, including valves, and piping attached to milk storage tanks, pumps, or vats must be capped or otherwise properly protected.(c)Gravity type strainers used in the milkhouse do not have to be covered.(d) Milk pipelines used to convey milk from pre-coolers to the bulk milk tank must be fitted with effective drip deflectors.(5)Receiving Receptacle.(a) The receiving receptacle must be raised above the floor, as on a dolly or cart, or placed at a distance from the lactating animals to protect it against manure and splash when milk is poured and/or strained in the milking barn, stable, or parlor.(b) Such receptacle must have a tight-fitting cover, which must be closed except when milk is being poured.(6)Immediate Transfer. Each pail or container of milk must be transferred immediately from the milking barn, stable, or parlor to the milkhouse.(7)Covered During Transfer. Pails, cans, and other equipment containing milk must be properly covered during transfer and storage.(8)Air Under Pressure. Whenever air under pressure is used for the agitation or movement of milk or is directed at a milk-contact surface it must be free of oil, dust, rust, excessive moisture, extraneous materials, and odor.(9)Sanitized Surfaces Protected. Sanitized product-contact surfaces, including bulk milk tank openings and outlets, must be protected against contact with unsanitized utensils and equipment, hands, clothing, splash, condensation, and other sources of contamination.(10)Recleaning and Sanitizing. Any sanitized product-contact surface which has been otherwise exposed to contamination must be cleaned and sanitized again before being used.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 40-2-16-.19
O.C.G.A. § 26-2-450, et seq.
Original Rule entitled "Protection from Contamination" adopted. F. June 9, 2023; eff. July 1, 2023, as specified by the Agency.