(a)
(1) Milk cans. Cans used in transporting milk from dairy farm to plant shall be of such construction (preferably seamless with umbrella lids) as 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. Adequate provisions should be made so that milk in cans will be cooled immediately after milking to 50 °F. or lower unless delivered to the plant within two hours after milking.
(2) Farm bulk tanks. Farm bulk tanks shall comply with 3-A Sanitary Standards for Farm Cooling and Holding Tanks or 3-A Sanitary Standards for Farm Milk Storage Tanks, as applicable. They shall be installed in a milk house in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory agency in jurisdiction. The bulk cooling tanks shall be designed and equipped with refrigeration to permit the cooling of the milk to 40 °F. or lower within two hours after milking, and maintain it at 45 °F. or below until picked up.
(b)
(1) Receiving stations. Receiving stations shall comply with the applicable sections of this subpart covering premises, buildings, facilities, equipment, utensils, personnel, cleanliness and health.
(2) Transfer stations. Transfer stations shall comply with the applicable sections of this subpart covering premises, floors, lighting, water supply, hand-washing facilities, disposal of wastes, general construction, repair and installation of equipment, piping and utensils and personnel - cleanliness and health. As climatic and operating conditions require the transfer station shall comply with the applicable sections for walls, ceilings, doors and windows.
(3) Cream stations. Cream stations shall provide adequate protection and facilities for the handling, transferring and cooling of farm separated cream. The area shall be large enough to avoid undue crowding with a normal volume of business and shall be separated from other areas and the outside by self closing, tight fitting doors. All openings shall be screened during fly season. The floor, walls and ceiling shall be of satisfactory construction, in good repair and kept clean. Lighting and ventilation shall meet the requirements of § 58.126(d). Cooling facilities shall be provided to cool the cream to 50 °F. or lower unless shipped within 8 hours after receipt. Facilities shall be provided to wash, sanitize and store cans and equipment used in the operation. The cream should not be more than 4 days old when picked up for delivery to the processing plant.
(c)
(1) Transporting milk or cream. Vehicles used for the transportation of can milk or cream shall be of the enclosed type, constructed and operated to protect the product from extreme temperature, dust, or other adverse conditions and they shall be kept clean. Decking boards or racks shall 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 shall not be used for transporting skim milk, buttermilk, or whey to producers.
(2) Transport tanks. The exterior shell shall be clean and free from open seams or cracks which would permit liquid to enter the jacket. The interior shell shall be stainless steel and so constructed that it will not buckle, sag or prevent complete drainage. All product contact surfaces shall be smooth, easily cleaned and maintained in good repair. The pump and hose cabinet shall be fully enclosed with tight fitting doors and the inlet and outlet shall be provided with dust covers to give adequate protection from road dust. Tank manholes should be equipped with an adequate filtering system during loading and unloading. New and replacement transport tanks shall comply with 3-A Sanitary Standards for Stainless Steel Automotive Milk and Milk Products Transportation Tanks for Bulk Delivery and/or Farm Pick-up Service.
(3) Facilities for cleaning and sanitizing. Enclosed or covered facilities (as climatic conditions require) 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 to transport tank. Milk shall be transferred under sanitary conditions from farm bulk tanks through stainless steel piping or approved tubing. The sanitary piping and tubing shall be capped when not in use.
[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 FR 48975, July 29, 2002]