W. Va. Code R. § 61-40-11

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 61-40-11 - Milkhouse construction and facilities

11.1. The producer may provide a milkhouse conveniently located and properly constructed, lighted, and ventilated for handling and cooling milk and for washing, handling, and storing the equipment and utensils. Other products which would be likely to contaminate milk, or otherwise create a public health hazard, shall not be handled in the milkhouse.

11.2. If the farm has a milkhouse, it shall meet the following construction requirements:

11.2.1. The milkhouse shall be equipped with wash and rinse vats and a utensil rack and have an adequate supply of hot and cold water available for cleaning milking equipment. If the milkhouse is part of the barn or other building, it shall be partitioned, screened, and sealed to prevent the entrance of dust, flies, or other contamination. A milking parlor used strictly as a milking facility in combination with a milkhouse, when properly equipped, arranged and maintained, need not be partitioned.

11.2.2. Concentrates and feed, if stored in the building, shall be kept in a tightly covered box or bin.

11.2.3. The floor of the building may be of concrete or other impervious material. The floor slopes shall drain so that there are no pools of standing water. The joints between the floor and the walls shall be watertight.

11.2.4. The liquid wastes shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner. All floor drains shall be accessible and shall be trapped if connected to a sanitary sewer.

11.2.5. Walls and ceilings shall be constructed of smooth dressed lumber or similar material, be well painted with a light-colored washable paint, and be in good repair. Surfaces and joints shall be tight and smooth. Sheet metal, tiles, cement block, brick, concrete, cement plaster, or similar materials of light color may be used as long as the surfaces and joints are smooth and easily cleaned.

11.2.6. Windows and solid doors shall be closed during dusty weather. Windows and doors shall be properly screened. All outside doors shall open outward and have effective means to prevent the entrance of flies.

11.2.7. The milkhouse shall be adequately ventilated to minimize odors and condensation on floors, walls, ceilings, and clean utensils.

11.2.8. Vents and light fixtures shall be installed in a manner to prevent the contamination of milk and clean utensils.

11.2.9. There shall be no direct opening into any barn, stable, or room used for domestic purposes, except that an opening between the milkhouse and milking parlor is permitted when a tight fitting, self-closing, solid door, hinged to be single or double acting, is present.

W. Va. Code R. § 61-40-11