Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Section 59a.307 - Protection and transport of raw milk and cream(a)Equipment and facilities.(1)Milk cans. Cans used in transporting milk from dairy farm to plant must be constructed to be easily cleaned, and shall be inspected, repaired and replaced as necessary to exclude substantially the use of cans and lids with open seams, cracks, rust, milkstone or any unsanitary condition.(2)Farm bulk tanks. New farm bulk tanks must meet current 3-A Sanitary Standards for construction and be installed in accordance with the requirements of the Grade "A" PMO.(b)Transporting milk or cream.(1)Vehicles. Vehicles used for the transportation of can milk or cream must be of the enclosed type, constructed and operated to protect the product from extreme temperature, dust or other adverse conditions and kept clean. Decking boards or racks shall be provided when more than one tier of cans is carried. Cans, or bulk tanks on vehicles, used for the transportation of milk from the farm to the plant may not be used for any other purpose.(2)Transport tanks. The exterior shell of transport tanks must be clean and free from open seams or cracks which would permit liquid to enter the jacket. The interior shell must be stainless steel and constructed so it will not buckle, sag or prevent complete drainage. Product contact surfaces must be smooth, easily cleaned and maintained in good repair. The pump and hose cabinet must be fully enclosed with tight fitting doors and the inlet and outlet must be provided with dust covers to give adequate protection from road dust. New and replacement transport tanks must meet the current 3-A Sanitary Standards for Stainless Steel Automotive Transportation Tanks for Bulk Delivery and/or Farm Pick-Up Service.(c)Cleaning and sanitizing facilities. Enclosed facilities shall be available for washing and sanitizing of transport tanks, piping and accessories, at central locations or at all plants that receive or ship milk or milk products in transport tanks.(d)Transfer of milk. Milk shall be transferred under sanitary conditions from farm bulk tanks through stainless steel piping or approved tubing. The sanitary piping and tubing must be capped when not in use.