Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 40-2-16-.17 - Utensils and Equipment - Storage

(1) Storage Between Use.

(a) All milk containers, utensils, and equipment, including milking machine vacuum hoses, must be stored in the milkhouse in a sanitizing solution or on racks until used.

(b) Pipeline milking equipment such as milker claws, inflations, weight jars, milk hoses, milk receivers, tubular coolers, plate coolers, milk pumps which are designed for CIP cleaning, and other equipment which meets these criteria, may be CIP cleaned, sanitized, and stored in the milking barn or parlor, provided this equipment is designed, installed, and operated to protect the product and solution contact surfaces from contamination at all times.

(c) Parameters to be considered in determining protection are:

1. Proper location of equipment;

2. Proper drainage of equipment; and

3. Adequate and properly located lighting and ventilation.

(2) Manual Cleaning.

(a) The milking barn or parlor must only be used for milking.

(b) Concentrates may be fed in the barn during milking, but the barn must not be used for the housing of animals.

(c) When manual cleaning of product-contact surfaces is necessary, the cleaning must be done in the milkhouse.

(d) In the case of a milking parlor that opens directly into an enclosed housing area through a covered holding area, the holding area may be seasonally enclosed when:

1. There are no manure pit openings in the parlor, holding area, or in the housing area close enough to affect the milking parlor.

2. The cattle holding and housing areas are maintained in good repair and clean.

3. With respect to dust, odors, rodents, and insects, the entire area meets milking parlor standards, and the parlor is free of evidence of birds.

(3) Drainage of Equipment. Means must be provided to effect complete drainage of equipment when such equipment cannot be stored to drain freely.

(4) Storage After Delivery. Clean cans or other containers must be stored in the milkhouse within a reasonable time after delivery to the dairy farm.

(5) Single-Service Articles, Protection from Contamination. Strainer pads, parchment papers, gaskets, and similar single-service articles must be stored:

(a) In a suitable container or cabinet;

(b) In a location convenient to their use; and

(c) Protected against contamination.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 40-2-16-.17

O.C.G.A. § 26-2-450, et seq.

Original Rule entitled "Utensils and Equipment - Storage" adopted. F. June 9, 2023; eff. July 1, 2023, as specified by the Agency.