Chapter ATCP 65

ATCP 65.32(2)(a) (a) The residual bacteria count on product contact surfaces of grade A dairy product packages shall not exceed one per milliliter of capacity when the rinse test is used, or 50 per 8 square inches (one per square centimeter) when the swab test is used, in 3 out of 4 samples randomly taken and analyzed on a given day. Product contact surfaces shall be free of coliform bacteria as determined using a rinse test or a swab test.

ATCP 65.32(2)(b) (b) A grade A dairy product package shall be designed so that the product, the package pouring lip if any, and the package opening rim and area are protected from contamination during handling, storage, and initial opening. A grade A dairy product package shall be designed so that it cannot be opened without breaking the cap or closure seal, or leaving other readily apparent evidence that the package has been opened.

ATCP 65.32(2)(c) (c) Product contact surfaces of multi-use packages used for grade A milk or dairy products shall be constructed of one or more of the following materials unless the division specifically authorizes another material in writing:

ATCP 65.32(2)(c)1. 1. Stainless steel of the Iron and Steel Institute 300 series or an equally corrosion resistant metal.

ATCP 65.32(2)(c)2. 2. Heat resistant glass.

ATCP 65.32(2)(c)3. 3. Plastic materials that maintain their original properties under repeated use conditions; that are fat resistant and insoluble; and that are resistant to scratching, scoring, decomposition, crazing, chipping, and distortion under normal use conditions.

ATCP 65.32(2)(d) (d) Product contact surfaces of multi-use packages used to contain grade A milk or dairy products shall have rounded corners, and shall be easily cleanable.

ATCP 65.32(2)(e) (e) Multi-use packages used to contain grade A milk or dairy products shall be effectively cleaned and sanitized before being reused. Cleaning and sanitizing procedures shall remove all extraneous matter and potential adulterants from each package. Sanitizing procedures shall comply with s. ATCP 65.34. If returnable glass bottles are sanitized in an automatic bottle washer by soaking those bottles in a caustic solution, the sanitizing procedure shall comply with sub. (3).

ATCP 65.32(2)(f) (f) Multi-use packages used to contain grade A milk or dairy products shall be inspected before they are reused. Inspection shall be adequate to detect extraneous materials, adulterants, and damage to product contact surfaces. Inspection shall be performed on surfaces lighted in compliance with s. ATCP 65.24 (5) (c).

ATCP 65.32(2)(g) (g) No multi-use plastic package may be reused for grade A milk or dairy products unless that package is tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds using method ASTM D 3530 or an equivalent method approved by the department before the package is filled. An automatic testing device, capable of detecting volatile organic compounds at levels of public health significance, shall be used to test each package. The testing device shall be installed in conjunction with the dairy product packaging apparatus so that no packages can be filled unless the testing device is operating properly, and so that packages containing unsatisfactory levels of volatile organic compounds are automatically made unusable. The dairy plant operator shall test the system daily with a test solution consisting of 0.5 ppm petroleum distillate or another test solution approved in writing by the division.

ATCP 65.32 Note Note: A copy of ASTM D 3530 may be obtained from ASTM International, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959; 1-877-909-2786; www.astm.org.

ATCP 65.32(2)(h) (h) No plastic multi-use package may be used to contain grade A milk or dairy products unless all of the following requirements are met:

ATCP 65.32(2)(h)1. 1. The package is identified to show the plant at which the package was manufactured, the date of manufacture, and the type and class of plastic material used. This information may be coded if the code is provided to the division.

ATCP 65.32(2)(h)2. 2. The phrase “Use only for food” appears on the package.

ATCP 65.32(2)(h)3. 3. The division has provided a written approval of a prototype of the package.

ATCP 65.32(2)(i) (i) Single-service packages used to contain grade A milk or dairy products shall be manufactured by a manufacturer listed in the “Certified Manufacturers of Single-Service Containers and Related Products” published online by the Food and Drug Administration, Public Health Service, United States Department of Health and Human Services.

ATCP 65.32 Note Note: Copies of ”Certified Manufacturers of Single-Service Containers and Related Products” are available online at http://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/federalstatefoodprograms/ucm2007965.htm or from the Milk Safety Team, HFS-626, Food and Drug Administration, Public Health Service, United States Department of Health and Human Services, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835.

ATCP 65.32(2)(j) (j) Packaged grade A milk and dairy products shall be conspicuously labeled as grade A milk or dairy products.

ATCP 65.32(3) (3) Automatic bottle washing.

ATCP 65.32(3)(a) (a) Returnable glass bottles cleaned in an automatic bottle washer shall be sanitized while in the washer. Bottles cleaned in an automatic bottle washer may be sanitized by being soaked in a caustic solution. The causticity of the sanitizing solution shall be monitored and maintained at an appropriate level in relation to solution temperature and soaking time. Table 1 shows minimum causticity levels required for sanitizing solutions, expressed in terms of percent concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in the sanitizing solution, based on applicable soaking times and temperatures.

ATCP 65.32(3)(b) (b) After being soaked in caustic solution under par. (a), bottles shall be rinsed with water that has been treated with heat or chemicals to destroy viable pathogenic or other harmful microorganisms that may be present in the rinse water.

ATCP 65.32(4) (4) Packaging grade A dairy products.

ATCP 65.32(4)(a) (a) Grade A dairy products shall be packaged in a sanitary manner at the dairy plant where they are pasteurized.

ATCP 65.32(4)(b) (b) Grade A dairy products shall be mechanically packaged using mechanical capping, closing, or sealing equipment approved by the division. When mechanical equipment for capping, closing, or sealing containers holding 3 gallons (12.8 liters) or more is not available, manual methods approved by the division may be used. Hand capping is otherwise prohibited.

ATCP 65.32(4)(c) (c) A drip deflector, designed and adjusted to deflect condensation away from open packages, shall be installed on each filler valve.

ATCP 65.32(4)(d) (d) Conveyors that feed packages to packaging machines shall have overhead shields to protect open packages from contamination.

ATCP 65.32(4)(e) (e) If a filled package is imperfectly sealed, the contents of that package shall be emptied into a sanitary container. The contents shall be discarded or shall be examined for physical adulterants, filtered if necessary, and repasteurized before being repackaged.

ATCP 65.32 History History: CR 14-073: cr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16.

ATCP 65.34 ATCP 65.34 Sanitizers and sanitizing methods.

ATCP 65.34(1) (1) Sanitizing methods. Cleaned product contact surfaces shall be sanitized by using any of the following methods:

ATCP 65.34(1)(a) (a) Complete and continuous exposure to clean water at a temperature of at least 170° F. (70° C.) for at least 5 minutes.

ATCP 65.34(1)(b) (b) Complete and continuous exposure to steam resulting in a food contact surface temperature of at least 170° F. (70° C.) for at least 15 minutes or resulting in a food contact surface temperature of at least 200° F. (93° C.) for at least 5 minutes.

ATCP 65.34(1)(c) (c) Complete and continuous exposure for at least 2 minutes to a sanitizing solution containing at least 50 ppm of free residual chlorine and having a pH not higher than 8.3, at a temperature not less than 75° F. (24° C.) or more than 110° F. (44° C.)

ATCP 65.34(1)(d) (d) Complete and continuous exposure for at least one minute to a sanitizing solution containing at least 12.5 ppm of available iodine and having a pH not higher than 5.0, at a temperature of not less than 75° F. (24° C.) or more than 110° F. (44° C.).

ATCP 65.34(1)(e) (e) Complete and continuous exposure to a caustic sanitizing solution according to s. ATCP 65.32 (3).

ATCP 65.34(1)(f) (f) Application of chemical sanitizers that comply with 21 CFR 178.1010, are registered with the U.S. environmental protection agency and applied according to manufacturer’s instructions.

ATCP 65.34(1)(g) (g) Application of a chemical sanitizer or sanitizing method that has been shown to be as effective as the methods specified under pars. (a) to (f), and that the division has approved in writing.

ATCP 65.34(2) (2) Sanitizers; maximum concentrations. The use of a sanitizer shall leave no toxic residue on a product contact surface. Sanitizing solutions shall not exceed the maximum concentrations specified by the US food and drug administration, under 21 CFR 178.1010. A test kit or other device that measures the concentration of sanitizing solutions in appropriate units of measurement shall be used as necessary to ensure compliance with this subsection at all times.

ATCP 65.34 History History: CR 14-073: cr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16.

ATCP 65.36 ATCP 65.36 Receiving milk and dairy products.

ATCP 65.36(1) (1) Milk from dairy farms.

ATCP 65.36(1)(a) (a) No dairy plant operator may collect or receive milk from a dairy farm located in this state, unless the milk producer holds a current milk producer license for that dairy farm under s. 97.22 (2), Stats., and s. ATCP 65.02.

ATCP 65.36(1)(b) (b) No dairy plant operator may collect or receive a milk shipment from a dairy farm in this state unless a person, licensed under s. 97.17 or 98.146, Stats., does all the following before that milk shipment is commingled with milk from any other dairy farm:

ATCP 65.36(1)(b)1. 1. Collects a sample of milk from the shipment, according to s. ATCP 65.38.

ATCP 65.36(1)(b)2. 2. Accurately measures and records the temperature and quantity of milk in the shipment.

ATCP 65.36 Note Note: A dairy plant operator shall comply with applicable requirements under subch. V, which requires dairy plant operators to sample and test producer milk and report test results. Dairy plant operators must reject milk shipments and take follow-up action in some cases.

ATCP 65.36(2) (2) Grade A milk from dairy farms. No dairy plant operator may collect or receive as grade A milk any of the following:

ATCP 65.36(2)(a) (a) Milk from a dairy farm in this state, unless the milk producer holds a current grade A permit for that dairy farm under s. 97.22 (3), Stats., and s. ATCP 65.02 (10).

ATCP 65.36(2)(b) (b) Milk from a dairy farm in any other state, unless the milk producer holds a current grade A permit for that dairy farm from the responsible regulatory authority in that state.

ATCP 65.36(3) (3) Bulk milk tanker deliveries and shipments.

ATCP 65.36(3)(a) (a) No dairy plant operator may receive or ship any grade A milk or grade A fluid milk products transported in a bulk milk tanker, unless the bulk milk tanker operator holds a current grade A permit for that bulk milk tanker issued under s. 97.21 (2), Stats., and s. ATCP 82.02 (7) or issued by another state’s regulatory agency.

ATCP 65.36(3)(b) (b) Before a dairy plant operator unloads milk from a bulk milk tanker or commingles it with milk from another milk producer, the dairy plant operator shall test the bulk shipment for drug residues according to s. ATCP 65.72 (3).

ATCP 65.36(3)(c) (c) An on-farm dairy plant may not receive milk from the same dairy farm which is transported by means other than a bulk milk tanker unless each bulk shipment of milk is sampled and the milk is tested for drug residues according to s. ATCP 65.72 (3). After the sampling, all remaining unpasteurized milk shall be pasteurized and all equipment that contacted the unpasteurized milk shall be cleaned and sanitized before the next receipt of unpasteurized milk by the dairy plant. The sample of milk shall be obtained from one of the following locations:

ATCP 65.36(3)(c)1. 1. The dairy farm bulk milk tank or silo.

ATCP 65.36(3)(c)2. 2. An unpasteurized milk tank, silo, other unpasteurized milk storage container, or vat pasteurizer raw milk receptacle in the dairy plant.

ATCP 65.36(4) (4) Grade A dairy plant may not receive grade B milk. A grade A dairy plant operator may not process grade B milk at a grade A dairy plant unless the division authorizes that processing in writing. A grade A dairy plant operator may not receive, transfer, or process grade A milk or dairy products through the same equipment used to receive, transfer, or process grade B milk or dairy products unless the dairy plant operator first rinses the equipment.

ATCP 65.36(5) (5) Manufactured dairy ingredients; approved sources. Manufactured dairy ingredients used in the manufacture or processing of dairy products shall originate from dairy plants licensed under s. 97.20, Stats., and this chapter, or licensed or inspected under laws of other states or nations deemed acceptable by the FDA.

ATCP 65.36(6) (6) Receiving facilities.

ATCP 65.36(6)(a) (a) A dairy plant’s facilities for receiving milk shipments shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with s. ATCP 65.24 and shall be separated from other areas of the dairy plant as required by s. ATCP 65.24 (7).

ATCP 65.36(6)(b) (b) An on-farm dairy plant may not receive milk from the same dairy farm unless the milk is transported in a bulk milk tanker and received in a facility complying with s. ATCP 65.24 or stored on the dairy farm in a bulk milk tank or silo that is directly connected to an raw milk tank, silo, other raw milk storage container, or vat pasteurizer raw milk receptacle in the dairy plant.

ATCP 65.36(7) (7) Cleaning and sanitizing bulk milk tankers. A dairy plant operator shall ensure that bulk milk tankers transporting milk or dairy products to or from a dairy plant are cleaned and sanitized after each day’s use as required by s. ATCP 82.08.

ATCP 65.36(8) (8) Cleaning and sanitizing milk cans. If a dairy plant operator receives raw milk in cans, the dairy plant operator shall clean, sanitize, and thoroughly dry those cans before the cans are removed from the dairy plant for reuse. Can washing equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair.

ATCP 65.36 History History: CR 14-073: cr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16; correction in (3) (a) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register August 2016 No. 728.

ATCP 65.38 ATCP 65.38 Collecting milk samples.

ATCP 65.38(1) (1) Sample required. A dairy plant operator who receives a milk shipment from a milk producer shall collect a representative milk sample from that shipment. Sufficient agitation or a milk sampling method approved by the division shall be used to ensure that the milk sample is representative of the milk shipment. A person licensed under s. 97.17 or 98.146, Stats., shall collect the sample before the dairy plant operator commingles the milk with milk from any other milk producer.

ATCP 65.38(2) (2) Sample collected at the dairy farm. A bulk milk weigher and sampler who collects a bulk milk shipment from a dairy farm shall collect the milk sample for the dairy plant operator, under sub. (1), in accordance with ch. ATCP 82. The bulk milk weigher and sampler shall promptly deliver the sample to the dairy plant operator, or to a milk testing laboratory designated by the dairy plant operator.

ATCP 65.38(3) (3) Sample collected from bulk transport container. A person who receives a bulk transport container at a dairy plant shall collect the milk sample for the dairy plant operator under sub. (1), in accordance with ch. ATCP 82. The person shall promptly deliver the sample to the dairy plant operator or to a milk testing laboratory designated by the dairy plant operator.

ATCP 65.38(4) (4) Increased sampling frequency. If milk from any dairy farm violates a standard under s. ATCP 65.70 on any single test, the dairy plant operator shall do any of the following:

ATCP 65.38(4)(a) (a) Collect and test a milk sample from that farm at least once every 2 days until a subsequent test shows that the violation has been corrected.

ATCP 65.38(4)(b) (b) Reject milk shipments from the producer, if the operator is required to reject those milk shipments under s. ATCP 65.70 (2) (f) or (4) or 82.10 (4).

ATCP 65.38 History History: CR 14-073: cr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16; correction in (4) (b) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register August 2016 No. 728.

ATCP 65.40 ATCP 65.40 Storing and handling milk and dairy products.

ATCP 65.40(1) (1) General. Dairy products shall be protected from contamination and decomposition while being received, processed, handled, conveyed, or held at a dairy plant. Dairy products shall be received, processed, handled, conveyed, and held in a manner that keeps the products in a safe, wholesome, and unadulterated condition.

ATCP 65.40(2) (2) Storage temperatures.

ATCP 65.40(2)(a) (a) Milk and dairy products shall be stored at temperatures listed in pars. (b) to (e), unless the division has authorized alternative temperature limits in writing. An authorization by the division shall be valid for 5 years, and may be renewed upon a written request from the dairy plant operator.

ATCP 65.40(2)(b) (b) Except as provided under par. (e), unpasteurized grade A milk and grade A dairy products received for processing at a dairy plant shall be kept at a temperature of 45° F. (7° C.) or less until pasteurized or, if pasteurization is not required, until processed. This paragraph does not apply to unpasteurized grade A milk received at a dairy plant within 2 hours after milking, provided that the unpasteurized milk, after subsequent pasteurization, is held in compliance with par. (d).

ATCP 65.40(2)(c) (c) Except as provided under par. (e), unpasteurized grade B milk and other grade B dairy products received for processing at a dairy plant shall be kept at a temperature of 50º F. (10º C.) or less until pasteurized or, if pasteurization is not required, until processed. This paragraph does not apply to unpasteurized milk received at a dairy plant within 2 hours after milking, provided that the unpasteurized milk, after subsequent pasteurization, is held in compliance with par. (d).

ATCP 65.40(2)(d) (d) Except as provided under par. (e), all pasteurized milk and dairy products, after being pasteurized, shall be cooled to a temperature of 45° F. (7° C.) or less and shall then be kept at that temperature at all times. This paragraph does not apply to a grade A cultured dairy product while being cultured, to a dried milk product, or to a grade A dairy product that is sterilized and packaged in a hermetically sealed package.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e) (e) No milk or dairy product may be held at a dairy plant for more than 4 hours at a temperature that is between 45° F. (7° C.) and 140° F. (60° C.). This paragraph does not apply to any of the following:

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)1. 1. Grade A cultured dairy products and grade A acidified dairy products while being cultured, provided process controls are monitored and documented by the dairy plant operator in accordance with item 17 (p) of the PMO.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)2. 2. Dried dairy products.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)3. 3. Butter during micro-fixing.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)4. 4. Cheese while being cured, ripened, or tempered for further processing.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)5. 5. Pasteurized cream while being ripened for churning into butter.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)6. 6. Whey and whey products during the process of crystallization, provided process controls for crystallization of grade A whey and whey products are monitored and documented by the dairy plant operator in accordance with item 17 (p) of the PMO.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)7. 7. Acid whey with titratable acidity of not less than 0.40%, expressed as % lactic acid, or a pH of not higher than 4.6.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)8. 8. Dairy products that are sterilized and packaged in hermetically sealed packages.

ATCP 65.40(2)(e)9. 9. Grade B whey originating from pasteurized milk to which one or more starter cultures was added, if the surfaces contacted by that whey have been cleaned and sanitized before holding, transport, and receipt of the whey and the received whey is either pasteurized or cooled to 50° F. or colder not more than 8 hours after its generation at a licensed dairy plant.

ATCP 65.40(3) (3) Pasteurization. Dairy products shall be pasteurized in compliance with subch. IV.