32.9.423    PROTECTION OF RAW MILK AND CREAM - EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

(1) Milk cans used in transporting milk from dairy farm to plant must be of such construction (preferably seamless with umbrella lids) as to be easily cleaned, and must 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. Adequate provisions should be made so that milk in cans will be cooled immediately after milking to 45� F. or lower unless delivered to the plant within 2 hours after milking.

(2) Farm bulk tanks should meet 3-a sanitary standards for construction and should be installed preferably in a milkhouse in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory agency in jurisdiction. The bulk tanks should be designed and equipped with refrigeration to permit the cooling of the milk to 45� F. or lower within 2 hours after milking, and maintained at 45� F. or below until picked up.

(3) 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 must be provided where more than one tier of cans is carried. Cans or vehicles used for the transportation of milk from the farm to the plant may not be used for transporting skim milk, buttermilk, or whey to producers.

(4) With respect to transport tanks, the exterior shell 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 so constructed that it will not buckle, sag, or prevent complete drainage. All 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 3-a sanitary standards for milk transport tanks.

(5) Enclosed or covered facilities must 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.

(6) Milk must 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.

History: Secs. 81-2-102, 81-22-102 MCA; IMP, Secs. 81-2-102, 81-22-102 MCA; Eff. 12/31/72.