Proposed Text
2VAC5-490-5. Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
A. Any person permitted in accordance with Chapter 52 (§ 3.2-5200 et seq.) of Title 3.2 of the Code of Virginia regarding milk, milk products, and dairies shall comply with the provisions of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2017 Revision."
B. Section 1 of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2017 Revision" regarding definitions shall be used to determine the meanings of the words or terms used in this chapter or in the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2017 Revision" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If any definition in Section 1 of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2017 Revision" conflicts with a definition in 2VAC5-490-10, 2VAC5-490-10 shall control to the extent of the conflict.
C. If any provision of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2017 Revision" conflicts with a provision in 2VAC5-490-10 through 2VAC5-490-140 of this chapter, the provision in 2VAC5-490-10 through 2VAC5-490-140 of this chapter shall control to the extent of the conflict.
Part I
Definitions and Standards of Identity
2VAC5-490-10. Definitions and standards of identity Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"A hazard that is reasonably likely to occur"
means a hazard for which a prudent milk plant, receiving station or transfer
station operator would establish controls because experience, illness data,
scientific reports, or other information provide a basis to conclude that there
is a reasonable possibility that, in the absence of these controls, the hazard
will occur in the particular type of milk, milk product, condensed milk,
condensed milk product, dry milk, or dry milk product being processed.
"Abnormal milk" means milk that is visibly
changed in color, odor, or texture and is not suitable for sale for grade A
purposes.
"Acidified milk" means "acidified milk"
as defined in 21 CFR 131.111.
"Acidified milk product" means a product with an
acidity of not less than 0.50% expressed as lactic acid, which product is
obtained by the addition of food grade acids to pasteurized cream,
half-and-half, heavy cream, light cream, lowfat milk, milk, skim milk, or sour
cream.
"Acidified sour cream" means "acidified sour
cream" as defined in 21 CFR 131.162.
"Adulterated milk" or "adulterated milk
product" means any milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk
product that meets one or more of the conditions specified in Section 402 of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended (21 USC § 342).
"Aseptically processed milk or milk product"
means milk that is hermetically sealed in a container and so thermally
processed before or after packaging in conformance with 21 CFR Parts 108, 110,
and 113 and the provisions of this chapter so as to render the product free of
microorganisms capable of reproducing in the product under nonrefrigeration
conditions of storage and distribution and that is free of viable
microorganisms (including spores) capable of causing disease in humans.
"Aseptic processing and packaging" means that the
product has been subjected to sufficient heat processing and packaged in a
hermetically sealed container, to conform to the applicable requirements of 21
CFR Parts 108, 110, and 113 and the provisions of this chapter and to maintain
the commercial sterility of the product under normal nonrefrigerated
conditions. Aseptic processing and packaging includes low-acid grade A aseptic
and packaged milk products.
"Aseptic processing and packaging system" or
"APPS" means the aseptic processing and packaging system in a milk
plant that is comprised of the processes and equipment used to process and
package aseptic grade A milk or milk products. The APPS shall be regulated in
accordance with the applicable requirements of 21 CFR Parts 108, 110, and 113.
The APPS shall begin at the constant level tank and end at the discharge of the
packaging machine, provided that the process authority may provide written
documentation that will clearly define additional processes or equipment that
are considered critical to the commercial sterility of the product.
"Audit" means an evaluation of the entire milk
plant, receiving station, or transfer station facility and HACCP system to
ensure compliance with the voluntary HACCP program requirements of this
chapter, with the exception of the APPS for aseptic processing and packaging of
milk plants.
"Automatic milking installation" means the entire
installation of one or more automatic milking units, including the hardware and
software utilized in the operation of individual automatic milking units, the
animal selection system, the automatic milking machine, the milk cooling
system, the system for cleaning and sanitizing the automatic milking unit, the
teat cleaning system, and the alarm systems associated with the process of
milking cooling, cleaning, and sanitation.
"Boiled custard" means "eggnog" as
defined in 21 CFR 131.170.
"Bulk milk hauler sampler" means any person who
holds a permit issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services to collect official milk samples and transport (i) raw milk from a
dairy farm to a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station; or (ii) raw
milk products from one milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station to
another milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station.
"Bulk milk pickup tanker" means a vehicle,
including the truck, tank, and those appurtenances necessary for its use, used
by a bulk milk hauler sampler to transport bulk raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging from a dairy farm to a milk plant, receiving station, or
transfer station.
"Buttermilk" means the fluid milk product that
remains after the manufacture of butter from milk or cream and contains not
less than 8.25% of milk solids not fat.
"Cancel" means to permanently nullify, void, or
delete a grade A permit issued by the State Regulatory Authority.
"Centralized deviation log" means a centralized
log or file identifying data detailing any deviation of critical limits and the
corrective actions taken as referred to in Appendix K of the "Grade
"A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision."
"CFR" means the Code of Federal Regulations.
"Clean" means the surfaces of equipment and
facilities have had an effective and thorough removal of product, soils, and
contaminants.
"Clean in place" or "CIP" means the
removal of soil from product contact surfaces in the surface's process position
by circulating, spraying, or flowing chemical solutions and water rinses onto
and over the surfaces to be cleaned. Components of the equipment that are not
designed to be CIP are removed from the equipment to be cleaned out of place
(COP) or manually cleaned. Product contact surfaces shall be inspectable,
except when the cleanability by CIP has been documented and accepted by the
State Regulatory Authority. In such accepted equipment, all product and
solution contact surfaces are not required to be readily accessible for
inspection (i.e., permanently installed pipelines and silo tanks).
"Cleaned out of place" or "COP" means
manually cleaned or not designed to be CIP.
"Coffee cream" means "light cream."
"Commercially sterile" means (i) the food has
been thermally processed by the application of heat to render the food free of
viable microorganisms (including spores) of public health significance and
microorganisms capable of reproducing in the food under normal nonrefrigerated
conditions of storage and distribution; or (ii) the food has been processed
with the application of heat, and the water activity of the food has been
controlled to render the food free of microorganisms capable of reproducing in
the food under normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution.
"Common name" means the generic term commonly
used for domestic animals (i.e., cattle, goats, sheep, water buffalo).
"Concentrated milk" means "concentrated
milk" as defined in 21 CFR 131.115.
"Concentrated milk product" means any of the
following foods: homogenized concentrated milk, homogenized concentrated skim
milk, concentrated lowfat milk, concentrated milk, and concentrated skim milk,
which when combined with potable water according to the instructions printed on
the food's container, conforms to the definition of the corresponding milk
product in this chapter.
"Concentrated or condensed buttermilk" means
product resulting from the removal of a considerable portion of water from
buttermilk and complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter.
"Condensed and dry milk product" means grade A
condensed milk, grade A condensed and dry whey, grade A dry milk product, or
grade A dry milk and whey product.
"Condensed milk" means concentrated milk as
defined in 21 CFR 131.115. This definition does not include:
1. Any sterilized milk or milk product, when the sterilized
milk or milk product is hermetically sealed in a container and processed,
either before or after sealing, so as to prevent microbial spoilage; or
2. Any evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk, except
when the evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk is combined with other
substances in the commercial preparation of any pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized,
or aseptically processed and packaged milk or milk product.
"Condensed whey" means "condensed whey"
as defined in 21 CFR 184.1979(a)(2).
"Consumer" means any person who uses any grade A
milk, grade A milk product, or milk product.
"Contaminated milk" means milk that is unsaleable
or unfit for human consumption following treatment of the animal with
veterinary products (i.e., antibiotics that have withhold requirements or
treatment with medicines or insecticides not approved for use on dairy animals
by FDA or the Environmental Protection Agency).
"Corrective action" means procedures followed
when a deviation occurs.
"Cottage cheese" means "cottage cheese"
as defined in 21 CFR 133.128.
"Cottage cheese dry curd" means "dry curd
cottage cheese."
"Cream" means "cream" as defined in 21
CFR 131.3(a).
"Critical control point" or "CCP" means
a step at which control can be applied and is essential to prevent or eliminate
a milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, or dry
milk product safety hazard or reduce it to an acceptable level.
"Critical limit" means a maximum value or a
minimum value to which a biological, chemical, or physical parameter shall be
controlled at a critical control point to prevent, eliminate, or reduce to an
acceptable level the occurrence of a milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed
milk product, dry milk, or dry milk product safety hazard.
"Cultured half-and-half" means "sour
half-and-half."
"Cultured milk" means "cultured milk"
as defined in 21 CFR 131.112.
"Cultured sour cream" means "sour
cream."
"Dairy farm" means any place or premises (i)
where any cow, goat, sheep, water buffalo, or other mammal (except humans) is
kept for milking purposes; or (ii) from which cow, goat, sheep, water buffalo,
or other mammal (except humans) milk or any milk product is sold or offered for
sale for human consumption or provided to a milk plant, cheese plant, frozen
desserts plant, transfer station, or receiving station.
"Deficiency" means an element that is inadequate
or missing from the requirements of a HACCP system or with the voluntary HACCP
program requirements of this chapter.
"Deny" means the State Regulatory Authority will
not issue a grade A permit to the applicant.
"Deviation" means a failure to meet a critical
limit.
"Drug" means: (i) articles recognized in the
official United States Pharmacopeia, official Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the
United States, or official National Formulary, or any supplement to any of
them; (ii) articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation,
treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals; (iii) articles
other than food intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of
man or other animals; and (iv) articles intended for use as a component of any
articles specified in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of this definition, but does
not include devices or their components, parts, or accessories.
"Dry buttermilk" means "dry buttermilk"
as defined in 7 CFR 58.251.
"Dry buttermilk product" means "dry
buttermilk product" as defined in 7 CFR 58.251.
"Dry cream" means "dry cream" as
defined in 21 CFR 131.149.
"Dry curd cottage cheese" means "dry curd
cottage cheese" as defined in 21 CFR 133.129.
"Dry milk product" means a product resulting from
the drying of any milk or milk product and any product resulting from the combination
of a dry milk product with other safe and suitable dry ingredients.
"Dry whey" means "dry whey" as defined
in 21 CFR 184.1979.
"Dry whey product" means a product resulting from
the drying of whey or whey products and any product resulting from the
combination of dry whey products with other wholesome dry ingredients.
"Dry whole milk" means "dry whole milk"
as defined in 21 CFR 131.147.
"Eggnog" means "eggnog" as defined in
21 CFR 131.170.
"Eggnog-flavored milk" means a milk product, to
which an emulsifier and a maximum of 0.5% stabilizer may have been added
consisting of a mixture of (i) at least 3.25% butterfat, (ii) at least 0.5% egg
yolk solids, (iii) sweetener, and (iv) flavoring.
"FDA" means the United States Food and Drug
Administration.
"Flavored milk" means milk to which a flavor or
sweetener has been added.
"Flavored milk product" means any milk product to
which a flavor or sweetener has been added.
"Food allergen" means the proteins in foods that
are capable of inducing an allergic reaction or response in some individuals
and means "food allergen" as defined in the Food Allergen Labeling
and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (21 USC § 301 et seq.).
"Fortified milk" means milk, other than vitamin D
milk, the vitamin or mineral content of which milk has been increased.
"Fortified milk product" means any milk product,
other than a vitamin D milk product, the vitamin or mineral content of which
milk product has been increased.
"Frozen milk concentrate" means the frozen milk
product that when water is added in accordance with instructions on the package
containing the frozen milk product, the reconstituted milk product contains the
percentage of milkfat and the percentage of milk solids not fat of milk. Frozen
milk concentrate is stored, transported, and sold in a frozen state.
"Goat milk" means the normal lacteal secretion,
practically free of colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more
healthy goats that when sold in retail packages, contains not less than 2.5%
milkfat and not less than 7.5% nonfat milk solids not fat.
"Grade A buttermilk" or "grade A buttermilk
product" means buttermilk from butter made from grade A cream, which has
been pasteurized prior to use in accordance with item 16p of the "Grade
"A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision," provided that
this requirement shall not be construed as barring any other heat treatment
process that has been recognized by FDA to be equally efficient in the destruction
of staphylococcal organisms and that is approved by the State Regulatory
Authority.
"Grade A condensed and dry whey" means condensed
or dry whey that complies with the provisions of the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision" and this chapter.
"Grade A condensed milk" means condensed milk
that complies with the provisions of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized
Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision" and this chapter.
"Grade A dry milk product" means any dry milk
product that complies with the provisions of the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision" and this chapter.
"Grade A dry milk and whey product" means any dry
milk or whey product that has been produced for use in any grade A pasteurized,
ultra-pasteurized, or aseptically processed and packaged milk product and that
has been manufactured under the provisions of the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision" and this chapter.
"Grade A permit" means the written document
issued by the State Regulatory Authority to the person who operates a (i) dairy
farm to produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, or aseptic
processing; (ii) milk plant; (iii) receiving station; (iv) transfer station;
(v) milk condensing plant; (vi) milk drying plant; (vii) whey condensing plant;
or (viii) whey drying plant after the State Regulatory Authority has inspected
and approved the person's operation and determined the person's compliance with
the provisions of this chapter for the operations specified in this definition.
"Grade A whey" means whey from cheese made from
grade A raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing
and packaging, or retort processed after packaging, that has been manufactured
under the provisions of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance,
2013 Revision" and this chapter.
"HACCP plan" means the written document, which is
based upon the principles of HACCP and delineates the procedures to be
followed.
"HACCP system" means the implemented HACCP plan
and prerequisite programs, including other applicable requirements of the
voluntary HACCP program of this chapter.
"Half-and-half" means "half-and-half"
as defined in 21 CFR 131.180.
"Hazard" means a biological, chemical, or
physical agent that is reasonably likely to cause illness or injury in the
absence of its control.
"Hazard analysis" means the process of collecting
and evaluating information on hazards associated with the milk, milk product,
condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, or dry milk product under
consideration, to decide which are reasonably likely to occur and must be
addressed in the HACCP plan.
"Hazard analysis critical control point" or
"HACCP" means a systematic approach to the identification,
evaluation, and control of significant milk and milk product safety hazards.
"Heavy cream" means "heavy cream" as
defined in 21 CFR 131.150.
"Lactose-reduced lowfat milk" means the product
resulting from the addition of safe and suitable enzymes to convert enough
lactose to glucose or galactose so that less than 30% of the lactose remains in
the lowfat milk from which the product is made.
"Lactose-reduced milk" means the product
resulting from the addition of safe and suitable enzymes to convert enough
lactose to glucose or galactose so that less than 30% of the lactose remains in
the milk from which the product is made.
"Lactose-reduced skim milk" means the product
resulting from the addition of safe and suitable enzymes to convert enough
lactose to glucose or galactose so that less than 30% of the lactose remains in
the skim milk from which the product is made.
"Light cream" means "light cream" as
defined in 21 CFR 131.155.
"Light whipping cream" means "light whipping
cream" as defined in 21 CFR 131.157.
"Low-acid aseptic milk and retort milk and milk
products" means milk or milk products having a water activity (aw) greater
than 0.85 and a finished equilibrium pH greater than 4.6 and that are regulated
under 21 CFR Parts 108, 110, and 113. Low-acid aseptic milk and retort milk and
milk products are stored under normal nonrefrigerated conditions. Excluded from
this definition are low-acid milk and milk products that are labeled for
storage under refrigerated conditions.
"Lowfat dry milk" means "lowfat dry
milk" as defined in 21 CFR 131.123.
"Lowfat yogurt" means "lowfat yogurt"
as defined in 21 CFR 131.203.
"Low-sodium lowfat milk" means the milk product
resulting from the treatment of lowfat milk by a process of passing the lowfat
milk through an ion exchange resin process, or by any other process that has
been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration that effectively reduces
the sodium content of the product to less than 10 milligrams in 100
milliliters.
"Low-sodium milk" means the milk product
resulting from the treatment of milk by a process of passing the milk through
an ion exchange resin process, or by any other process that has been recognized
by the Food and Drug Administration that effectively reduces the sodium content
of the product to less than 10 milligrams in 100 milliliters.
"Low-sodium skim milk" means the milk product
resulting from the treatment of skim milk by a process of passing the skim milk
through an ion exchange resin process, or by any other process that has been
recognized by the Food and Drug Administration that effectively reduces the
sodium content of the product to less than 10 milligrams in 100 milliliters.
"Milk" means the whole, fresh, clean lacteal
secretion obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows, goats,
sheep, water buffalo, or other mammal (except humans) intended for human
consumption excluding that obtained before and after birthing, for such a
period as may be necessary to render the milk practically colostrum free.
"Milk condensing plant" means any plant in which
milk or any milk product is condensed or dried, or in which milk or any milk
product is received, separated, or otherwise processed for drying and
packaging.
"Milk distributor" means any person who offers
for sale or sells to another any milk or milk product.
"Milk drying plant" means any plant in which milk
or any milk product is condensed or dried, or in which milk or any milk product
is received, separated, or otherwise processed for drying and packaging.
"Milkfat" means the fat of milk.
"Milkhouse" means the building or room in which
there is conducted on a grade A dairy farm (i) the cooling, handling, and
storing of milk and (ii) the washing, sanitizing, and storing of milk
containers and utensils.
"Milk plant" means any place, premises, or
establishment where any milk or milk product is collected, handled, processed,
stored, pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged,
retort processed after packaged, condensed, dried, packaged, bottled, or
prepared for distribution.
"Milk producer" means any person who operates a
dairy farm and who provides, sells, or offers milk for sale for human
consumption or to a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station.
"Milk product" means grade A milk and grade A
milk products meeting the requirements of 2VAC5-490-15.
"Misbranded milk" or "misbranded milk
product" means any milk, milk product, or condensed and dry milk product
that (i) satisfies any of the conditions specified in § 403 of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended (21 USC § 343); (ii) does not conform
to its definition; or (iii) is not labeled in accordance with 2VAC5-490-40.
"Monitor" means to conduct a planned sequence of
observations or measurements to assess whether a CCP is under control or to
assess the conditions and practices of all required prerequisite programs.
"NCIMS" means the National Conference on
Interstate Milk Shipments.
"Nonconformity" means a failure to meet specified
requirements of the HACCP system.
"Nonfat dry milk" means "nonfat dry
milk" as defined in 21 CFR 131.125.
"Nonfat dry milk fortified with vitamins A and D"
means "nonfat dry milk fortified with vitamins A and D" as defined in
21 CFR 131.127.
"Nonfat yogurt" means "nonfat yogurt"
as defined in 21 CFR 131.206.
"Normal storage" means storage at a temperature
of 45°F or cooler, but does not include freezing.
"Official laboratory" means a biological,
chemical, or physical laboratory operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"Officially designated laboratory" means: (i) a
commercial laboratory authorized by the State Regulatory Authority to examine
milk, milk product, condensed and dry milk product, producer samples of Grade
"A" raw milk for pasteurization, or commingled milk tank truck
samples of raw milk or milk products or (ii) a milk-industry laboratory
authorized by the State Regulatory Authority to examine milk producer samples
of raw milk for pasteurization, and for drug residues and bacterial limits,
samples of raw milk commingled in a tank truck.
"Pasteurization" or "pasteurized" means
the process of heating every particle of milk or milk product in equipment
designed and operated in conformance with this chapter, to one of the
temperatures given in the following table and held continuously at or above
that temperature for at least the corresponding specified time for the
equipment indicated:
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*If (i) the fat content of the milk or milk product is 10%
or greater; (ii) the total solids content of the milk or milk product is 18% or
greater; or (iii) the milk or milk product contains added sweeteners, then
pasteurization means increasing the specified temperature by 5°F.
*If the dairy product is cream for butter-making, then
"pasteurization" means heating to at least 165°F and holding
continuously in a vat pasteurizer for not less than 30 minutes or pasteurizing
by the High Temperature Short Time method at a minimum temperature of not less
than 185°F for not less than 15 seconds.
*If the milk product is eggnog, then "pasteurization"
means heating to at least the following temperatures for the corresponding time
specifications and equipment:
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Nothing in this definition shall be construed as barring
any other process that has been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration
as being equally efficacious as pasteurization, so long as that other process
has been approved by the State Regulatory Authority.
"Person" means any individual, plant operator,
partnership, corporation, company, firm, trustee, or institution.
"Prerequisite programs" means procedures,
including good manufacturing practices, that address operational conditions
that provide the foundation for the HACCP system.
"Process authority" means a certified
microbiologist who has expert knowledge of thermal processing requirements for
low-acid foods, acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience.
The process authority must possess advanced testing equipment that will allow
them to conduct necessary testing.
"Public" means any person in the Commonwealth.
"Pull date" means the date affixed to a consumer package or container of grade A pasteurized milk or grade A pasteurized milk product that is the date after the day of manufacturing and processing of the package or container and the last day on which the grade A pasteurized milk or grade A pasteurized milk product as determined by the milk plant may be offered for sale to consumers under normal storage.
"Raw milk" means any milk or any milk product
that has not been pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and
packaged, or retort processed after packaging.
"Receiving station" means any place, premises, or
establishment where raw milk is (i) received, collected, handled, stored, or
cooled; and (ii) prepared for further transporting.
"Recombined milk" means the food that when
combined with potable water according to the instructions printed on the food's
container, conforms to the milk fat and nonfat milk solids requirements for
milk, as specified in the definition of "milk."
"Recombined milk product" means the food that
when combined with potable water according to the instructions printed on the
food's container, conforms to the milk fat and milk nonfat solids requirements
for the milk product designated on the food's container.
"Reconstituted milk" means "recombined
milk."
"Reconstituted milk product" means
"recombined milk product."
"Reduced lactose whey" means "reduced
lactose whey" as defined in 21 CFR 184.1979a.
"Reduced minerals whey" means "reduced
minerals whey" as defined in 21 CFR 184.1979b.
"Retort processed after packaging" means the milk
and or milk product has been subjected to sufficient retort heat processing
after packaged in a hermetically sealed container, to conform to the applicable
requirements of 21 CFR Parts 108, 110, and 113 and to maintain the commercial
sterility of the milk and milk product under normal nonrefrigerated conditions.
"Retort processed after packaging system" or
"RPPS" means the processes and equipment used to retort process after
packaging low-acid grade A milk and milk products. The RPPS shall be regulated in
accordance with the applicable requirements of 21 CFR Parts 108, 110, and 113.
The RPPS shall begin at the container filler and end at the palletizer,
provided that the process authority may provide written documentation that will
clearly define additional processes and equipment that are considered critical
to the commercial sterility of the milk and milk products.
"Revoke" means to permanently annul, repeal,
rescind, countermand, or abrogate a grade A permit issued by the State
Regulatory Authority.
"Safe and suitable" means "safe and
suitable" as defined in 21 CFR 130.3(d).
"Sanitization" means the application of any
effective method or substance to a clean surface for the destruction of
pathogens, and of other organisms as far as is practicable, and when used does
not adversely affect (i) the equipment that comes in contact with milk, milk
product, or condensed and dry milk product; (ii) the milk, milk product, or
condensed and dry milk product; or (iii) the health of consumers.
"Septage" means material accumulated in a
pretreatment system or privy.
"Sewage" means water-carried and nonwater-carried
human excrement; kitchen, laundry, shower, bath, or lavatory wastes separately
or together with such underground, surface, storm and other water and liquid
industrial wastes as may be present from residences, buildings, vehicles,
industrial establishments or other places.
"Sheep milk" means the normal lacteal secretion,
practically free of colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more
healthy sheep.
"Sour cream" means "sour cream" as
defined in 21 CFR 131.160.
"State Regulatory Authority" regulatory
agency" means the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services or
his agent when carrying out any duty specified in § 3.2-5207 of the Code of
Virginia or the State Health Commissioner or his agent when carrying out any
duty specified in § 3.2-5208 of the Code of Virginia.
"Summarily suspend" means the immediate suspension of a permit issued by the state regulatory agency without the permit holder being granted the opportunity to contest the action prior to the effective date and time of the suspension.
"Suspend" means to temporarily nullify, void,
debar, or cease for a period of time a grade A permit issued by the State
Regulatory Authority.
"Sweetened condensed milk" means "sweetened
condensed milk" as defined in 21 CFR 131.120.
"Table cream" means "light cream" as
defined in 21 CFR 131.155.
"Transfer station" means any place, premises, or
establishment where milk or milk products are transferred directly from one
milk tank truck to another.
"Trim" means to shorten the hair on the udder and
tail of milking cows and goats by clipping, singeing, cutting, or other means.
"Ultra-pasteurized" means, when used to describe
any milk or milk product, that the milk or milk product has been thermally
processed at a temperature of 280°F (138°C) or hotter for at least two seconds,
either before or after packaging, so as to produce a product that has an
extended shelf life under refrigerated conditions as defined in 21 CFR 131.3.
"Undesirable milk" means milk that, prior to the
milking of the animal, is expected to be unsuitable for sale, such as milk
containing colostrum.
"Validation" means the element of verification
focused on collecting and evaluating scientific and technical information to
determine whether the HACCP plan, when properly implemented, will effectively
control the hazards.
"Verification" means those activities, other than
monitoring, that determine the validity of the HACCP plan and that the HACCP
system is operating according to the plan.
"Vitamin A milk" means milk, the vitamin A
content of which has been increased to at least 2000 International Units per
quart.
"Vitamin A milk product" means a milk product, the
vitamin A content of which has been increased to at least 2000 International
Units per quart.
"Vitamin D milk" means milk, the vitamin D
content of which has been increased to at least 400 International Units per
quart.
"Vitamin D milk product" means a milk product,
the vitamin D content of which has been increased to at least 400 International
Units per quart.
"Water buffalo milk" means the normal lacteal
secretion, practically free of colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of
one or more healthy water buffalo.
"Whey" means "whey" as defined in 21
CFR 184.1979.
"Whey condensing plant" means a plant in which
whey is condensed or in which whey is received and processed for drying and
packaging.
"Whey drying plant" means a plant in which whey
is dried or in which whey is received and processed for drying and packaging.
"Whey product" means any fluid product removed
from whey, or made by the removal of any constituent from whey, or by the
addition of any wholesome substance to whey or parts thereof.
"Whipped cream" means "heavy cream" as
defined in 21 CFR 131.150 or "light whipping cream" as defined
in 21 CFR 131.157, into which air or gas has been incorporated.
"Whipped light cream" means "light whipped
cream" as defined in 21 CFR 131.155, into which air or gas has been
incorporated.
"Whipping cream" means "light whipping
cream" as defined in 21 CFR 131.157.
"Yogurt" means "yogurt" as defined in
21 CFR 131.200.
Part II
Grade A Milk and Milk Products
2VAC5-490-15. Grade A milk and milk products. (Repealed.)
A. Grade A milk and milk products regulated under this
chapter include:
1. All grade A raw milk or milk products for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging, and all grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed and packaged milk and milk
products;
2. All milk and milk products with a standard of identity
provided for in 21 CFR Part 131, with the exception of 21 CFR 131.120 sweetened
condensed milk;
3. Cottage cheese as defined by 21 CFR 133.128 and dry curd
cottage cheese as defined by 21 CFR 131.129;
4. Whey and whey products as defined in 21 CFR 184.1979, 21
CFR 184.1979a, 21 CFR 184.1979b, and 21 CFR 184.1979c; whey product; dry whey
product; and grade A condensed and dry whey and whey products;
5. Modified versions of these foods listed in subdivisions 2
and 3 of this subsection, pursuant to 21 CFR 130.10 Requirements for foods
named by use of a nutrient content claim and a standardized term;
6. Milk and milk products as defined in subdivisions 2, 3,
4, and 5 of this subsection, packaged in combination with other food or foods
not included in this section that are appropriately labeled with a statement of
identity to describe the food in final package form (e.g., "cottage cheese
with pineapple" or "fat free milk with plant sterols"); and
7. Products not included in subdivisions 2 through 6 of this
subsection shall be grade A milk products if they contain a minimum of (i) 2.0%
milk protein as determined by total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) X 6.38; and (ii) a
minimum of 65% by weight milk, milk product, or a combination of milk products.
B. Safe and suitable, as defined in 21 CFR 130.3(d),
nongrade A dairy ingredients may be utilized in the production of grade A milk
and milk products included under 2VAC5-490-15 A when added to a level needed
for a functional or technical effect; limited by good manufacturing practices
(GMPs); and are either (i) prior sanctioned or otherwise approved by the
federal Food and Drug Administration, (ii) generally recognized as safe, or
(iii) an approved food additive listed in the Code of Federal Regulations with
the exception that for those grade A milk and milk products for which a federal
standard of identity has been established only ingredients provided for under
the standard of identity for each grade A milk or milk product may be utilized.
Nongrade A dairy ingredients shall not be used to increase the weight or volume
of grade A milk or milk products or to displace any grade A dairy ingredients
nor shall using nongrade A dairy ingredients to increase the weight or volume
of grade A milk or milk products be considered a suitable functional or
technical effect.
C. Grade A milk and milk products shall also include those
milk and milk products included under 2VAC5-490-15 A and 2VAC5-490-15 B that
have been aseptically processed and then packaged.
D. Grade A milk and milk products shall not include:
1. A milk or milk product in which the milkfat of the milk
or milk product has been substituted in part or in whole by any other animal or
vegetable fat; provided that other fat sources may be included when they are
used for purposes currently accepted in any other grade A milk or milk product,
such as carriers for vitamins and as an ingredient in emulsifiers and
stabilizers;
2. Coffee based products where coffee or water is the
primary ingredient as indicated in the ingredient statement;
3. Tea based products where tea or water is the primary
ingredient as indicated in the ingredient statement;
4. Dietary products (except as defined in 21 CFR 130.10);
5. Infant formula;
6. Ice cream or other frozen desserts;
7. Butter;
8. Standardized cheese with the exception of cottage cheese
as defined under 21 CFR 133.128 and dry curd cottage cheese as defined under 21
CFR 131.129 and nonstandardized cheese; or
9. Puddings.
E. Milk and milk products that have been retort processed
after packaging or that have been concentrated (condensed) or dried shall
conform to the requirements of 2VAC5-490-15 A and 2VAC5-490-15 B if they are
utilized as an ingredient in any grade A milk or milk product, or if they are
labeled as grade A under 2VAC5-490-15 A 5.
F. Powdered dairy blends may be labeled grade A and used as
ingredients in grade A milk and milk products, such as cottage cheese dressing
mixes or starter media for cultures used to produce various grade A cultured
milk and milk products, if they meet the requirements of this chapter. If
powdered dairy blends are used as an ingredient in grade A milk and milk
products, blends of dairy powders must be blended under conditions that meet
all applicable grade A powdered dairy blends requirements. Grade A powder
blends must be made from grade A powdered milk and milk products, except that
small amounts of functional ingredients not to exceed 10% by weight of the
finished blend that are not grade A are allowed in grade A blends when the
finished ingredient is not available in grade A form (e.g., sodium caseinate).
G. Grade A milk and milk products include the following:
acidified lowfat milk, acidified nonfat milk, acidified milk, acidified milk
product, acidified reduced fat milk, acidified skim milk, acidified sour cream,
acidified sour half-and-half, aseptically processed milk, aseptically processed
milk product, boiled custard, buttermilk, coffee cream, concentrated milk,
concentrated milk product, condensed buttermilk, cottage cheese, cottage cheese
dry curd, cream, cultured half-and-half, cultured milk, cultured lowfat milk,
cultured nonfat milk, cultured reduced fat milk, cultured skim milk, cultured
sour cream, cultured sour half-and-half, dry buttermilk, dry buttermilk product,
dry cream, dry curd cottage cheese, dry whole milk, eggnog, eggnog-flavored
milk, flavored milk, flavored milk product, fortified milk, fortified milk
product, frozen milk concentrate, goat milk, half-and-half, heavy cream, heavy
whipping cream, lactose-reduced lowfat milk, lactose-reduced nonfat milk,
lactose-reduced milk, lactose-reduced reduced fat milk, lactose-reduced skim
milk, light cream, light whipping cream, lowfat cottage cheese, lowfat dry
milk, lowfat milk, lowfat yogurt, low-sodium lowfat milk, low-sodium nonfat
milk, low-sodium milk, low-sodium reduced fat milk, low-sodium skim milk, milk,
nonfat milk, nonfat dry milk, nonfat dry milk fortified with vitamins A and D,
nonfat yogurt, recombined milk, recombined milk product, reconstituted milk,
reconstituted milk product, reduced lactose whey, reduced fat milk, reduced
minerals whey, sheep milk, skim milk, sour cream, sour half-and-half, table
cream, vitamin A milk, vitamin A milk product, vitamin D milk, vitamin D milk
product, whipped cream, whipped light cream, whipping cream, and yogurt.
Part III
Adulterated or Misbranded Milk or Milk Products
2VAC5-490-20. Adulterated or misbranded milk or milk
products. (Repealed.)
A. No person may produce, provide, sell, offer, expose for sale,
or possess with intent to sell any adulterated or misbranded condensed milk
product, dry milk product, milk, or milk product.
B. Each person who produces, provides, sells, offers,
exposes for sale, or possesses any adulterated or misbranded condensed milk
product, dry milk product, milk, or milk product shall be subject to having the
person's adulterated or misbranded condensed milk product, dry milk product,
milk, or milk product impounded by the State Regulatory Authority.
C. No person may provide, sell, offer, or expose for sale
any condensed milk product, dry milk product, milk, or milk product to any milk
plant for use in any grade A milk or grade A milk product if the person does
not possess a permit from the State Regulatory Authority, unless the
Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services makes a finding in writing
(which the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services may renew for
terms not to exceed 90 days per term, without limitation) that (i) the supply
of grade A raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, or aseptic
processing is not adequate to meet the nutritional needs of any person who
secures milk in the Commonwealth; or (ii) the supply of pasteurized,
ultra-pasteurized, or aseptically processed milk or milk product at retail is
not available for purchase by any person who secures milk in the Commonwealth.
D. No person may produce, provide, sell, offer, expose for
sale, or possess any condensed milk product, dry milk product, milk, or milk
product under the provision of subsection C of this section unless the
condensed milk product, dry milk product, milk, or milk product is labeled
"ungraded."
2VAC5-490-25. Impounding of adulterated or misbranded condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, dry milk product, milk, or milk product.
The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency shall comply with the following administrative procedures when
impounding any adulterated or misbranded condensed milk, condensed milk
product, dry milk, dry milk product, milk, or milk product to prevent movement
of these products until such violations of critical processing elements have
been corrected:
1. The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency shall serve the person with a written impoundment notice. The
written impoundment notice shall specify the violations and inform the person
of the opportunity to appear before the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency in person, by counsel, or by other qualified
representative at a fact-finding conference for the informal presentation of
factual data, arguments, and proof to contest the written notice of violation.
2. The written impoundment notice shall include:
a. The name of the adulterated or misbranded condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, dry milk product, milk, or milk product;
b. The size and number of separate units in the lot being impounded;
c. The product code and sell by date for the lot of product, if each exists; and
d. A statement directing the person to:
(1) Immediately remove from sale the entire lot of adulterated or misbranded condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, dry milk product, milk, or milk product;
(2) Isolate and identify as not for sale the entire lot of adulterated or misbranded condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, dry milk product, milk, or milk product in the person's storage area in a location separate from any storage accessible from a retail sales area; and
(3) Comply with one of the following options:
(a) If the condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk,
dry milk product, milk, or milk product is adulterated: (i) the entire
lot shall be destroyed or (ii) the entire lot shall be held and returned to the
manufacturer, distributor, or producer; or
(b) If the condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk,
dry milk product, milk, or milk product is misbranded: (i) the entire
lot shall be destroyed; (ii) the entire lot shall be held and returned to the
manufacturer, distributor, or producer; or (iii) the entire lot shall be held
and new labels affixed to each container in the lot that comply with all
provisions for labeling of condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk,
dry milk product, milk, or milk product contained in this chapter prior to
being offered for sale.
Part IV
Permits
2VAC5-490-30. Permits.
A. No person may produce, provide, manufacture, sell, offer
for sale, or store in the Commonwealth, or bring, send, or receive into the
Commonwealth, any milk, milk product, or condensed and dry milk product for use
in the commercial preparation of grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized,
aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaging milk or
milk product unless the person possesses a grade A permit from the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency. Nothing in this
chapter shall be deemed to require a person who is a broker, agent, or
distributor's representative to have a grade A permit if the person buys
condensed and dry milk product for, or sells condensed and dry milk product to,
a milk plant that has a valid grade A permit from any state.
B. Only a person who complies with the requirements of this
chapter shall be entitled to receive and retain a grade A permit. Permits shall
not be transferable with respect to persons or locations. Each person whose
name appears on a grade A permit shall be at least 18 years of age. Each person
requesting a grade A permit shall provide the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency with the following information:
1. The name of the person or persons to whom the permit
is to be issued;
2. If the person or persons are is requesting a
permit for a partnership, corporation, firm, trustee, or institution, the
person or persons shall provide the articles of incorporation,
partnership agreement, trust document, or other document identifying the names,
titles, and mailing addresses of all responsible officials for the partnership,
corporation, firm, trustee, or institution;
3. The address of the facility being permitted, including the street and number, city, state, and zip code. Addresses containing post office box designations shall not be permitted;
4. The trade name the permit holder will use if the permit holder will not be trading in the name to which the grade A permit is issued;
5. The name, mailing address, and telephone number for one
responsible person designated by the grade A permit holder to receive all
sample reports and official correspondence from the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency;
6. If the permit application is for a grade A dairy farm, the name of the milk marketing organization or milk marketing cooperative to which the permit holder belongs or the buyer of its milk;
7. The names and phones numbers of responsible persons to contact at the grade A dairy farm or plant;
8. If the permit application is for a grade A dairy farm, the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the dairy farm;
9. The printed name, signature, title, and date signed for each person whose name appears on the permit;
10. The printed name, signature, title, and date signed by the most responsible official for the partnership, corporation, firm, trustee, or institution if the permit is to be issued in the name of a partnership, corporation, company, firm, trustee, or institution; and
11. If the permit application is for a grade A plant permit, the plant code embossed or printed on packages of milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, or dry milk product packaged by the plant to identify the plant in lieu of printing the plant's name and address on the packages of milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, or dry milk product, if one has been assigned.
C. Each person who holds a grade A permit and who requests a
change in the name or names on an existing grade A permit shall provide
the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency with the
following information:
1. A written statement requesting that the existing grade A permit be canceled that has been signed by each person whose name appears on the existing grade A permit; except that when a person whose name on an existing grade A permit is deceased, the request for cancellation shall be made in writing by the executor or administrator of the permit holder's estate. A copy of the qualification as executor or administrator shall accompany the request for cancellation along with a statement identifying the name of the deceased and the date of death. Each signature shall be made next to or above the person's printed name and shall be dated with the date on which the written statement was signed by the grade A permit holder;
2. If the existing grade A permit is held in the name of a
partnership, corporation, company, firm, trustee, or institution, the written
statement requesting the existing grade A permit be canceled shall be signed by
a person who is authorized to sign on behalf of the partnership, corporation,
company, firm, trustee, or institution. Each signature shall be made next to or
above the person's printed name and official title for the partnership,
corporation, company, firm, trustee, or institution and shall be dated with the
date on which the written statement was signed by the person who is authorized to
sign on behalf of the partnership, corporation, company, firm, trustee, or
institution; and 3. All of the information required by 2VAC5-490-50 B for
the State Regulatory Agency to issue a grade A permit.
D. No person may hold a grade A dairy farm permit if any part of his facilities, equipment, storage, or surroundings (except toilet rooms) requiring inspection is accessed through any room used for domestic purposes or part of any room used for domestic purposes. Toilet rooms used for domestic purposes may be approved as complying with the requirements of this chapter only if (i) the toilet room is located within 300 feet of the milkroom and (ii) all labor utilized in the milking parlor, milking barn, and milkroom is provided by members of the permit holder's immediate family.
E. No person who holds a grade A permit shall use or allow anyone else to use his facilities and equipment for any purpose other than that for which the grade A permit was issued.
F. Each person who holds a grade A dairy farm permit shall display his permit in the milkroom on his dairy farm.
G. Each person who holds a grade A dairy plant permit shall display his grade A plant permit in his facilities where it is accessible for inspection.
H. No grade A permit holder may transfer any grade A permit to another person or another location.
I. No permit holder who has had his grade A dairy farm permit
or dairy plant permit revoked by the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency shall be eligible to hold a grade A dairy farm or dairy
plant permit at any time after the permit holder's permit is revoked.
J. No grade A dairy farm may hold more than one grade A
dairy farm permit. Multiple milking facilities or milk tanks on a grade A dairy
farm shall not be issued separate grade A dairy farm permits for any reason.
If multiple grade A dairy farms with separate herds and bulk holding tanks
exist at the same physical mailing address or are under different ownership,
each facility must have a separate grade A permit.
K. If a dairy farm owner has more than one grade A dairy farm at more than one separate physical mailing address, each facility must have a separate permit.
2VAC5-490-31. Authority to cancel, suspend, revoke, or deny a permit.
A. The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency may cancel, suspend, or revoke the grade A permit of any person,
or may deny to any person a grade A permit if:
1. The grade A permit holder fails to engage daily in the business for which the grade A permit is issued;
2. The grade A permit holder does not daily produce, provide, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or store in the Commonwealth, or bring, send, or receive into the Commonwealth milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product;
3. The grade A permit holder fails to provide at no cost to the
State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency samples of
milk, milk product, condensed milk product, and dry milk product in the
person's possession for testing by the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency;
4. The grade A permit holder fails to provide on a daily basis
milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product in the person's
possession for sampling and testing by the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency;
5. The grade A permit holder fails to comply with any
requirement of this chapter, or of §§ 3.2-5200 through 3.2-5211 or
3.2-5218 through 3.2-5233 of the Code of Virginia;
6. A public health hazard exists that affects the grade A permit holder's milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product;
7. The grade A permit holder or any agent of the grade A permit
holder has obstructed or interfered with the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency in the performance of its duties;
8. The person supplies false or misleading information to the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency (i) in the person's
application for a grade A permit; (ii) concerning the identity of the person
who will control the facility that is the subject of the grade A permit; (iii)
concerning the amount of milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry
milk product that the person produces, provides, manufactures, sells, offers
for sale, or stores in the Commonwealth, or brings, sends, or receives into the
Commonwealth and the distribution of the person's milk, milk product, condensed
milk product, or dry milk product; (iv) concerning any investigation conducted
by the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency; or (v)
concerning the location of any part of the person's operation that is subject
to a grade A permit;
9. The grade A permit holder engages in fraudulent activity regarding (i) the amount of milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product the person offers to sell or sells; or (ii) the collection of samples of the person's milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product used to determine compliance with any provision of this chapter or as a basis for payment for milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product;
10. Three of the most recent five bacteria counts, somatic cell counts, or cooling temperature determinations conducted on the grade A permit holder's raw milk exceed the standards specified in this chapter;
11. Three of the most recent five bacteria counts, coliform determinations, or cooling temperature determinations conducted on the grade A permit holder's milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product exceed the standards specified in this chapter;
12. The most recent aflatoxin or drug residue test on the grade A permit holder's milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product violates the standards specified in this chapter;
13. The most recent phosphatase test on the grade A permit
holder's milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product
violates the standard specified in this chapter;
14. 13. The most recent chemical residue test or
pesticide residue test on the grade A permit holder's milk, milk product,
condensed milk product, or dry milk product exceeds the actionable level,
tolerance level, or safe level for any chemical residue or pesticide residue
specified in 40 CFR Part 180 and 21 CFR Parts 70, 71, 73, 74, 80, 82, 130, 131,
133, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 189, 556, 570, 573, 589. In the
event that no actionable level, tolerance level, or safe level for a chemical
residue or pesticides residue has been established in 40 CFR Part 180 and 21
CFR Parts 70, 71, 73, 74, 80, 82, 130, 131, 133, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176,
177, 178, 189, 556, 570, 573, 589, the tolerance level shall be deemed to be
zero;
15. 14. The grade A permit holder fails to
correct any (i) violation of this chapter documented as a result of an
inspection or (ii) deficiency or nonconformity documented as a result of a
HACCP audit that the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency has cited in a written notice of intent to suspend the person's
grade A permit, as a violation of this chapter;
16. The grade A permit holder's raw milk for pasteurization
is warmer than 50°F two hours after the completion of the first milking or the
grade A permit holder's raw milk for pasteurization is warmer than 50°F during
or after any subsequent milking;
17. 15. The grade A permit holder's equipment is
covered or partially covered by an accumulation of milk solids, milk fat, or
other residue so that the milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry
milk product is adulterated;
18. 16. The grade A permit holder sells or offers
for sale milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product that
violates any requirement of this chapter;
19. 17. The grade A permit holder's permit is
suspended three times within a 12-month period;
20. 18. The authority agency in
another state responsible for issuing grade A permits has denied, suspended, or
revoked the permit of the person in that state for any act or omission that
would violate this chapter or the statutes under which this chapter was
adopted, had the act or omission occurred in the Commonwealth; or
21. 19. The Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services state regulatory agency has previously revoked
the person's grade A permit.
B. The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency may summarily suspend a grade A permit for violation of any of the
following subdivisions of subsection A of this section: 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 16.
C. The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency may suspend from sale any condensed milk, condensed milk product,
dry milk, dry milk product, milk, or milk product in violation of the
requirements of this chapter processed by any grade A dairy plant permit holder
in lieu of suspending the grade A dairy plant permit holder's permit.
D. If the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency suspends a permit holder's permit more than three times
within any 12-month period, the permit holder's permit shall not be reinstated
for a period of three days on the fourth suspension within any 12-month period
and six days on the fifth suspension within any 12-month period with three days
being added to the required suspension period for each additional suspension
thereafter within any 12-month period.
E. If the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency issues two written notices of intent to suspend a
person's permit for failure to correct the same deficiency within any 12-month
period, the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency
may issue and enforce a written notice of intent to summarily suspend the
person's permit at any time within six months after the date the written notice
of intent to summarily suspend is issued, to summarily suspend the person's permit
if the same violation exists on any inspection during the six-month period
specified in the written notice of intent to summarily suspend.
F. The state regulatory agency shall revoke any permit that has been under voluntary suspension for more than 24 months.
2VAC5-490-32. Authority to impound milk and milk products.
The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency
may impound any condensed milk, condensed milk product, aseptically
processed and packaged milk or milk product, retort processed after packaged
milk or milk product, dry milk, dry milk product, milk, or milk product if
it is in violation of any requirement of this chapter.
2VAC5-490-33. Written warning and suspension notices for
violations of quality standards; required procedures. (Repealed.)
A. Whenever two of the last four consecutive cooling
temperature checks, bacteria counts, or somatic cell counts taken on separate
days for a grade A dairy farm permit holder exceed the standard established for
grade A raw milk, the State Regulatory Agency shall send a written warning
notice to the permit holder or to the person identified by the permit holder to
receive sample reports and official correspondence. The warning notice shall
inform the permit holder or his representative (i) concerning which quality
standards the permit holder has violated; (ii) that another sample will be
collected within 21 days to determine compliance with the requirements; and
(iii) that the permit holder's grade A dairy farm permit will be suspended
whenever three out of the last five consecutive cooling temperature checks,
bacteria counts, or somatic cell counts exceed the standards. The warning
notice shall be in effect so long as two out of the last four consecutive
samples exceed the standard for grade A raw milk. An additional sample shall be
collected to determine compliance with the standards for grade A raw milk
within 21 days after sending the warning notice, but not before the lapse of
three days.
B. Whenever two of the last four consecutive cooling
temperature checks or bacteria counts taken on separate days from a grade A
permit holder's dairy plant exceed the standard established for commingled
grade A raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, or aseptically
processed and packaged milk or milk product, the State Regulatory Agency shall
send a written warning notice to the permit holder or to the person identified
by the permit holder to receive sample reports and official correspondence. The
warning notice shall inform the permit holder or his representative (i)
concerning which quality standards the permit holder has violated; (ii) that
another sample will be collected within 21 days to determine compliance with
the requirements of this chapter; and (iii) that the permit holder's grade A
permit will be suspended whenever three out of the last five consecutive
cooling temperature checks or bacteria counts exceed the quality standards. The
warning notice shall be in effect so long as two out of the last four
consecutive samples exceed the standard for grade A commingled raw milk for
pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, or aseptically processed and packaged
milk or milk product. An additional sample shall be collected to determine
compliance with the standards for grade A raw milk within 21 days after sending
the warning notice, but not before the lapse of three days.
C. Whenever two of the last four consecutive cooling
temperature checks, bacteria counts, or coliform counts taken on separate days
from a grade A permit holder's dairy plant exceed the standard established for
grade A pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk or milk products in retail
containers, the State Regulatory Agency shall send a written warning notice to
the permit holder or to the person identified by the permit holder to receive
sample reports and official correspondence. The warning notice shall inform the
permit holder or his representative (i) concerning which quality standards the
permit holder has violated for each grade A pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized
milk or milk product in retail containers; (ii) that another sample will be
collected within 21 days to determine compliance with the requirements of this
chapter; and (iii) that the permit holder's grade A pasteurized or
ultra-pasteurized milk or milk product in retail containers will be suspended
from sale whenever three out of the last five consecutive cooling temperature
checks, bacteria counts, or coliform counts exceed the quality standards. The
warning notice shall be in effect so long as two out of the last four
consecutive samples exceed the standard for grade A pasteurized or
ultra-pasteurized milk or milk products in retail containers. An additional
sample shall be collected to determine compliance with the standards for grade
A raw milk within 21 days after sending the warning notice, but not before the
lapse of three days.
D. Whenever two of the last four consecutive cooling
temperature checks or bacteria counts taken on separate days from a grade A
permit holder's dairy plant exceed the standard established for grade A bulk
shipped heat-treated milk products, the State Regulatory Agency shall send a
written warning notice to the permit holder or to the person identified by the
permit holder to receive sample reports and official correspondence. The
warning notice shall inform the permit holder or his representative (i)
concerning which quality standards the permit holder has violated for each grade
A bulk shipped heat-treated milk product; (ii) that another sample will be
collected within 21 days to determine compliance with the requirements of this
chapter; and (iii) that the permit holder's grade A permit will be suspended
whenever three out of the last five consecutive cooling temperature checks or
bacteria counts exceed the quality standards. The warning notice shall be in
effect so long as two out of the last four consecutive samples exceed the
standard for grade A bulk shipped heat-treated milk products. An additional
sample shall be collected to determine compliance with the standards for grade
A raw milk within 21 days after sending the warning notice, but not before the
lapse of three days.
E. Whenever three out of the last five consecutive cooling
temperature checks, bacteria counts, or somatic cell counts taken on separate
days for a grade A dairy farm permit holder exceed the standard established for
grade A raw milk, the State Regulatory Agency shall send a written suspension
notice to the permit holder or to the person identified by the permit holder to
receive sample reports and official correspondence. The suspension notice shall
inform the grade A dairy farm permit holder (i) why the permit holder's grade A
permit is being suspended; (ii) that he will be contacted by the State
Regulatory Authority to establish a date on which the suspension of his permit
will be effective; and (iii) that his grade A permit will not be reinstated
until laboratory analysis determine that his raw milk is in compliance with the
quality standards.
F. Whenever three out of the last five consecutive cooling
temperature checks or bacteria counts taken on separate days from a grade A
permit holder's dairy plant exceed the standard established for commingled grade
A raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, or aseptically processed
milk or milk products, the State Regulatory Authority shall send a written
suspension notice to the permit holder or to the person identified by the
permit holder to receive sample reports and official correspondence. The
suspension notice shall inform the grade A dairy plant permit holder that (i)
the permit holder's grade A dairy plant permit is suspended and (ii) should the
grade A dairy plant permit holder desire to have his grade A dairy plant permit
reinstated, he must make his request in writing to the State Regulatory
Authority detailing the actions he has taken and will take to avoid violating
the standard he exceeded for commingled grade A raw milk in the future, establishing
a date and time by which these actions will be fully implemented and stating
the reasons why his request should be granted.
G. Whenever three out of the last five consecutive cooling
temperature checks, bacteria counts, or coliform counts taken on separate days
from a grade A permit holder's dairy plant exceed the standard established for
grade A pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk or milk products in retail
containers, the State Regulatory Authority shall send a written suspension
notice to the permit holder or to the person identified by the permit holder to
receive sample reports and official correspondence. The suspension notice shall
inform the grade A dairy plant permit holder (i) that the pasteurized or
ultra-pasteurized milk and dairy products in violation of the quality standard
are suspended from sale; (ii) why the pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk and
dairy products are suspended from sale; (iii) that the permit holder must
contact the State Regulatory Authority when corrections have been made to bring
his pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk and milk products into compliance
before any action will be taken to reinstate sales of his suspended pasteurized
or ultra-pasteurized milk and milk products; and (iv) that his pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized
milk and milk products will not be reinstated for sale until laboratory
analysis determine that the pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk and milk
products are in compliance with the quality standards.
H. Whenever three out of the last five consecutive cooling
temperature checks or bacteria counts taken on separate days from a grade A
permit holder's dairy plant exceed the standard established for grade A bulk
shipped heat-treated milk products, the State Regulatory Authority shall send a
written suspension notice to the permit holder or to the person identified by
the permit holder to receive sample reports and official correspondence. The
suspension notice shall inform the grade A dairy plant permit holder that (i)
the permit holder's grade A dairy plant permit is suspended and (ii) should the
grade A dairy plant permit holder desire to have his grade A dairy plant permit
reinstated, he must make his request in writing to the State Regulatory
Authority detailing the actions he has taken and will take to avoid violating
the standard he exceeded for grade A bulk shipped heat-treated milk products in
the future, establishing a date and time by which these actions will be fully
implemented and stating the reasons why his request should be granted.
2VAC5-490-34. Inspection of dairy farms, milk plants,
condensing plants, and drying plants; HACCP audits of dairy plants. (Repealed.)
A. No person who operates a dairy farm, milk plant,
receiving station, transfer station, milk tank truck cleaning facility,
condensing plant, or drying plant within the Commonwealth may hold a grade A
permit until his dairy farm, milk plant, receiving station, transfer station,
milk tank truck cleaning facility, condensing plant, or drying plant has been
inspected and approved by the State Regulatory Authority.
B. After permitting, each person's dairy farm, milk plant,
receiving station, transfer station, milk tank truck cleaning facility,
condensing plant, or drying plant within the Commonwealth shall be inspected at
the minimum frequency as outlined in Section 5 of the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision," or at a greater frequency as
deemed necessary by the State Regulatory Authority.
C. After permitting, each person's milk plant, receiving
station, transfer station, milk tank truck cleaning facility, condensing plant,
or drying plant within the Commonwealth participating in the voluntary HACCP
program shall be HACCP audited at the minimum frequency as outlined in Section
5 of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013
Revision," or at a greater frequency as deemed necessary by the State
Regulatory Authority.
2VAC5-490-35. The examination of milk and milk products.
A. The State Regulatory Authority shall collect during any
consecutive six months at least four samples of raw milk, collected in at least
four separate months, except when three months show a month containing two
sampling dates separated by at least 20 days for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging, from each dairy farm that holds a grade A permit.
B. After receipt of the milk by the milk plant and prior to
pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or
retort processed after packaging the State Regulatory Authority shall collect
during any consecutive six months at least four samples of raw milk, collected
in at least four separate months, except when three months show a month
containing two sampling dates separated by at least 20 days for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging, from each milk plant located within the Commonwealth that
holds a grade A permit.
C. The State Regulatory Authority shall collect during any
consecutive six-month period at least four samples of each heat-treated,
pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, milk, flavored milk, flavored reduced fat milk
or low-fat milk, flavored nonfat milk, each fat level of reduced fat or low-fat
milk, and milk products collected in at least four separate months, except when
three months show a month containing two sampling dates separated by at least
20 days, from each milk plant located in the Commonwealth and holding a grade A
permit.
D. All pasteurized and ultra-pasteurized milk and milk
products required sampling and testing shall be conducted only when there are
test methods available that are validated by FDA and accepted by NCIMS. Milk
and milk products that do not have validated and accepted methods are not
required to be tested. Aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products and retort processed after packaged milk and milk products shall be
exempt from the sampling and testing requirements of subsection C of this
section.
E. A. The State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency shall, except when the production is not on a yearly
basis, during each month collect from each milk condensing plant, milk drying
plant, whey condensing plant, or whey drying plant holding a grade A permit at
least one sample of raw milk for pasteurization, after receipt of the milk by
the plant and before pasteurization, and at least one sample of each grade A
condensed milk product, grade A dry milk product, grade A condensed whey, and
grade A dry whey manufactured. If the production of grade A dry milk products
or grade A dry whey is not on a yearly basis, the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency shall collect at least five samples within a
continuous production period.
F. B. The State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency may collect samples of milk and milk products as it deems
necessary from retail establishments selling milk or milk products to determine
compliance with 2VAC5-490-20, 2VAC5-490-40, and
2VAC5-490-50, and 2VAC5-490-80. Each person who operates the retail
establishment shall furnish the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency, upon the request of the State Regulatory Authority,
state regulatory agency, with the names of all distributors from whom
the person has obtained milk or milk products.
G. C. The State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency shall provide the remaining portion of the original raw
milk sample from each grade A dairy farm that has been screened positive for
animal drug residues by a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station to
the grade A dairy farm's milk marketing organization upon request.
H. D. Each grade A permit holder operating a
milk plant within the Commonwealth shall provide to the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency laboratory determinations of the
quantity of vitamin A and vitamin D present in each of the milk plant's milk
and milk products to which vitamin A or vitamin D has been added. Each grade A
permit holder who operates a milk plant shall provide these laboratory
determinations at least annually from a laboratory certified to determine the
amount of vitamin A and vitamin D in milk and milk products under the
requirements established in "Evaluation of Milk Laboratories," 2011
2017 revision, available from the Food and Drug Administration, Center
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Field Programs, Division of
HACCP, Laboratory Quality Assurance Branch, HFH-450, 6502 South Archer Road,
Summit-Argo, Illinois 60501, USA. Each grade A permit holder who operates a
milk plant shall pay for the cost of the laboratory determinations.
2VAC5-490-36. Drug residue monitoring, farm surveillance and follow up.
A. Each grade A permit holder operating a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station shall:
1. Prior to processing any raw milk from bulk tanks on farms,
test for residues of beta lactam drugs all raw milk that the milk plant,
receiving station, or transfer station receives for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging;
2. Test each shipment of bulk tank raw milk or a raw milk
supply that has not been transported in bulk milk pickup tankers received for
pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or
retort processed after packaging by screening tests methods that have been
Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) reviewed and Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) accepted. In lieu of any test specified in this
subdivision a grade A permit holder may use AOAC first-action and AOAC
final-action tests methods. Nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to
require the testing of individual raw milk samples prior to processing
collected from each grade A dairy farm included in any shipment of bulk tank
raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and
packaging, or retort processed after packaging;
3. Implement a random-sampling program when the Commissioner
of the Food and Drug Administration determines that a potential problem exists
with animal drug residues or other contaminants in the milk supply. Each grade
A permit holder operating a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station
shall analyze the samples for the contaminant by a method determined by FDA to
be effective in determining compliance with actionable levels or established
tolerances. Each grade A permit holder operating a milk plant, receiving
station, or transfer station shall continue the random-sampling program until
such time that the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration is
reasonably assured that the problem has been corrected. The sampling program
shall represent and include during any consecutive six months, at least four
samples collected in at least four separate months, except when three months
show a month containing two sampling dates separated by at least 20 days; 1.
Comply with all regulations set forth in Appendix N of the "Grade
"A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2017 Revision";
4. 2. Retain each sample found to be positive for
drug residues for a period of 120 hours after the sample test result is
positive for drug residues for the use of the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency unless directed otherwise by a representative of
the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency;
5. Abstain from selling or offering for sale any
pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort
processed after packaged milk, milk product, or condensed and dry milk product
processed from raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging before results of
drug screening tests are available and which raw milk later tests positive for
drug residues. All of the grade A permit holder's milk commingled with any raw
milk that tests positive for drug residues shall be deemed adulterated. Any
grade A permit holder operating a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer
station shall report to the State Regulatory Authority instances of
adulteration immediately;
6. Record the results of tests on samples of raw milk and
retain such records for a period of six months; report records of all results
of tests on samples of raw milk to the State Regulatory Authority by the
fifteenth day of each month for the preceding month; and maintain and make
available to the State Regulatory Authority for inspection and review at the
permitted facility records of results of tests on samples of raw milk. Each
record of results of tests on samples of raw milk required by this subdivision
shall include:
a. The analyst's signature, date, time, and place where the
test was performed;
b. The registration identification of each pickup tanker of
bulk raw milk or raw milk sampled;
c. The test method used;
d. The Interstate Milk Shipper Bulk Tank Unit
identification number of each grade A milk supply included on each pickup
tanker of bulk raw milk tested; and
e. A 3. Report records of all results of tests on
samples of raw milk to the state regulatory agency by the 15th day of each
month for the preceding month to include a statement as to whether the test
results were are positive or negative. If the results were
are positive, the grade A permit holder shall also record: (1) The
(i) the identity of each producer contributing to the load from which
the positive sample of raw milk was taken; (2) The (ii) the name
of the person notified at the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency of the positive test results; (3) The (iii) the
date and time of day the person at the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency was notified of the positive test results; and (4) The
(iv) the method of notification of the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency;
7. 4. Immediately notify the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency and the milk marketing cooperative
or broker of any shipment of bulk tank raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging milk and milk products when the shipment of bulk tank raw milk
is found to be positive for drug residues. Nothing in this subdivision shall be
deemed to include individual raw milk samples collected from each grade A dairy
farm included in any shipment of bulk tank raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging milk and milk products; and
8. Test each producer sample of raw milk to determine the
farm of origin represented by any sample of raw milk that tests positive for
drug residues and immediately report to the State Regulatory Authority the
result of each producer sample representing the raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging milk and milk products found to be positive for drug residues;
9. 5. Provide by facsimile machine or other
electronic means to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services state regulatory agency copies of load manifests, producer
weight tickets, laboratory worksheets where the results of laboratory tests are
originally recorded, and records from electronic readers documenting the
results for samples tested for all positive loads; and 10. Immediately
discontinue receiving shipments of raw milk from the grade A permit holder
whose milk tests positive for drug residues, until subsequent tests are no
longer positive for drug residues.
B. Each grade A dairy farm permit holder's milk marketing cooperative or milk marketing agent shall be responsible for the collection and testing of follow-up milk samples for animal drug residues required for permit reinstatement and resumption of milk shipment from the dairy farm each time the grade A dairy farm permit holder's milk test positive for animal drug residues.
C. Each grade A dairy farm permit holder's milk marketing cooperative or milk marketing agent shall comply with the following when following up on a producer's dairy farm after a positive animal drug residue:
1. Only persons who hold valid permits to weigh, sample, and
collect milk issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services state regulatory agency shall collect and deliver follow-up
milk samples to laboratories for official testing for the purpose of permit
reinstatement and the resumption of milk shipments from the dairy farm; and
2. Reports of laboratory testing shall be provided from officially designated laboratories for each milk sample tested for animal drug residues and shall include the following information:
a. The name of the grade A dairy farm permit holder;
b. The patron number of the grade A dairy farm permit holder;
c. The date, time, and temperature of the milk sample when collected;
d. The name of the person who collected the milk sample;
e. The name of the test method used to test the milk sample; and
f. The test result for the milk sample; and 3. Only
confirmation test methods approved under M-I-96-10 (Revision #8) dated March
22, 2012, and titled "Drug Residue Test Methods for Confirmation of
Presumptive Positive Results and Initial Producer Trace Back" may be used
for follow-up milk sample testing.
2VAC5-490-37. Laboratory certification.
A. Each grade A permit holder operating a dairy plant that
receives any milk that could require load confirmation or producer trace-back
traceback as a result of a positive animal drug residue on a load of
milk delivered at the plant shall provide to the Virginia Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services state regulatory agency results of
animal drug residue tests from an officially designated laboratory. Each
officially designated laboratory shall maintain a listing in the IMS List
Sanitation Compliance and Enforcement Ratings of Interstate Milk Shippers as an
approved milk laboratory certified to test load and producer samples. All
laboratory results from officially designated laboratories shall be reported to
the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services state
regulatory agency within six hours of the initial presumptive positive
result at the plant.
B. Each officially designated laboratory shall comply with the
requirements contained in the "Evaluation of Milk Laboratories, 2011
2017 revision" for certification and listing in the "IMS List
Sanitation Compliance and Enforcement Ratings of Interstate Milk
Shippers."
2VAC5-490-38. Disposal of adulterated milk.
Each grade A permit holder whose milk tests positive for drug residues or has been otherwise adulterated as defined in this chapter shall dispose of such milk in a manner that removes it from the human food chain or in any manner approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
2VAC5-490-39. Records of milk purchased or sold; list of
sources. (Repealed.)
Each grade A permit holder who operates a milk plant,
receiving station, or transfer station, and any person who distributes milk or milk
products shall furnish the State Regulatory Authority upon request:
1. A true statement of the quantities of milk and milk
products of each grade purchased or sold by the milk plant, receiving station,
transfer station, or distributor of milk or milk product; and
2. A list of all sources from which the milk plant,
receiving station, transfer station, or distributor of milk or milk product,
received milk or milk products.
2VAC5-490-39.2. Milk that may be held in a milk storage tank.
No person who holds a grade A permit may place or hold in his
milk storage tank: (i) any milk except that milk which
that was obtained from cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, or other hooved
mammal milked at the grade A permit holder's dairy farm; (ii) any milk which
that did not enter the milk storage tank through the milking and
milk-handling equipment on the grade A permit holder's dairy farm during the
milking of the grade A permit holder's cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, or
other hooved mammal; (iii) any milk which that has
been held without refrigeration; or which (iv) any milk that has
been exposed to chemical or physical contamination.
2VAC5-490-39.4. Feeding poultry litter and unprocessed body
discharges prohibited. (Repealed.)
No person holding a grade A permit to produce milk for
pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization or aseptic processing shall feed their lactating
cows, goats, sheep, water buffalo, or other milking mammals any unprocessed
poultry litter or other unprocessed body discharges from any animal.
Part V
Labeling
2VAC5-490-40. Labeling.
No person may produce, provide, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or store in the Commonwealth or bring into, send into, or receive into the Commonwealth any milk, milk product, or condensed and dry milk product for use in the commercial preparation of grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products that are not labeled in compliance with the following:
1. Each grade A permit holder's bottles, containers, and packages enclosing any milk or milk products shall be labeled in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended; the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990, and regulations developed thereunder; and the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004;
2. The grade A permit holder shall label or mark all bottles, containers, and packages enclosing any milk or milk products with:
a. The name of a defined milk product, if there is a definition, and if there is no definition, a name that is not false or misleading;
b. The word "reconstituted" or "recombined" if the milk product is made by reconstitution or recombination;
c. The term "grade A" located on the exterior of the package on the principal display panel, the secondary or informational panel, or the cap or cover;
d. The identity of the plant where the grade A permit holder's milk or milk product is pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged by specifying:
(1) The street address, city, state, and zip code of the plant; or
(2) The code assigned the plant under the National Uniform Coding System for Packaging Identification of Milk and Milk Product Processing Plants;
e. In the case of concentrated milk or concentrated milk products the volume or proportion of water to be added for recombining;
f. The name of the milk product that the concentrated milk product will produce, which name shall be preceded by the term "concentrated." In the case of flavored milk or flavored reconstituted milk, the grade A permit holder shall substitute the name of the principal flavor for the word "flavored";
g. In the case of aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk products or retort processed after packaged milk and milk products, the words "keep refrigerated after opening";
h. In the case of aseptically processed and packaged milk or milk products, the term "UHT" ultra-high-temperature;
i. The term "ultra-pasteurized" if the milk or milk product has been ultra-pasteurized;
j. The term "goat" preceding the name of the milk or milk product when the milk or milk product is goat milk or is made from goat milk;
k. The term "sheep" preceding the name of the milk or milk product when the milk or milk product is sheep milk or is made from sheep milk;
l. The term "water buffalo" preceding the name of the milk or milk product when the milk or milk product is water buffalo milk or is made from water buffalo milk;
m. As in the case of cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk, and water buffalo's milk, the common or usual name of the mammal from which the milk was obtained shall precede the name of the milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk, or dry milk product;
n. The information appearing on the label of any bottle, container, or package of milk or milk product shall contain no marks, pictures, graphics, endorsements, or words that are misleading;
o. The "pull date" shall not interfere with the legibility of other labeling required for the milk or milk product and shall be expressed by the first three letters in the name of the month, followed by or preceded by the numeral or numerals constituting the calendar date after which the product shall not be sold or expressed numerically by the number of the month followed by the number of the day. For example, June 1 shall be expressed "JUN 1," "1 JUN," "06 01," or "06-01";
p. The grade A permit holder who operates a milk plant and
offers for sale milk or milk product within the Commonwealth shall file and
certify with the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency
the maximum number of days after manufacturing or processing the grade A permit
holder's milk or milk products that will be used to determine the "pull
date." The grade A permit holder shall establish a "pull date"
that under normal storage the milk or milk product meets for a minimum of 96
hours after the "pull date," standards set by this chapter;
q. No person may sell or offer for sale any packaged grade A pasteurized milk, grade A pasteurized milk product, or milk product after the date of the "pull date" on the package;
r. No person may sell or offer for sale any grade A pasteurized milk, grade A pasteurized milk product, or milk product in a package that does not bear the "pull date";
s. Nothing in this chapter shall apply to containers of grade A pasteurized milk, grade A milk products, or milk products that are not to be sold in the Commonwealth; and
t. In the case of condensed or dry milk products, the label
shall also contain (i) the identity of the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency issuing the processing plant's permit; (ii) the identity
of the distributor if the condensed or dry milk products are distributed by a
party other than the processing plant, the name and address of the distributor
shall also be shown by a statement such as "distributed by"; (iii)
the code or lot number identifying the contents with a specific date, run, or
batch of the product; and (iv) a statement of the quantity of the contents of
the container.
Part VI
Standards for Milk and Milk Products
2VAC5-490-50. Quality standards for milk and milk products.
A. No person may produce, provide, manufacture, sell, offer
for sale, or store in the Commonwealth, or bring, send, or receive into the Commonwealth,
any milk, milk product, condensed milk product, or dry milk product for use
in the commercial preparation of grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, or
aseptically processed milk or milk products that do not comply with the
following: 1. Grade A raw milk for pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization,
aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging and all
grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or
retort processed after packaged milk or milk products shall be produced,
processed, manufactured and pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged to conform with the
following chemical, physical, bacteriological, somatic cell, and temperature
standards, and with the requirements of this chapter; 2. No process or
manipulation other than (i) pasteurization; (ii) ultra-pasteurization; (iii)
aseptic processing and packaging; (iv) retort processed after packaging; or (v)
processing methods integral with pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging; and
refrigeration may be applied to milk or milk products for the purpose of
removing or deactivating microorganisms provided that filtration,
bactofugation, or filtration and bactofugation may be performed in the plant in
which the milk or milk product is pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged. Nothing in this
chapter is deemed to prohibit any grade A permit holder who operates a milk
plant from preparing bulk shipments of cream, skim milk, reduced fat or lowfat
milk labeled as "heat treated"; if the raw milk, raw cream, skim
milk, reduced fat or lowfat milk is heated, one time, to a temperature warmer
than 125°F but cooler than 161°F for separation purposes. In the case of heat
treated cream, the cream may be further heated to less than 166°F in a
continuing heating process and immediately cooled to 45°F or less when
necessary for enzyme deactivation (such as lipase reduction) for a functional
reason; 3. Grade grade A raw milk and or milk products
product for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and
packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall that does not
comply with the following standards:
a. The temperature of the raw milk shall be cooled to 40°F
or cooler, but not frozen, within two hours after milking and the temperature
after the first or any subsequent milking shall not be warmer than 50°F;
b. 1. The bacteria count of raw cow's milk shall
not exceed 50,000 bacteria per milliliter prior to commingling with any other
milk; and the bacteria count of raw cow's milk that is commingled shall not
exceed 300,000 bacteria per milliliter prior to pasteurization;
c. 2. The bacteria count of raw sheep's milk, raw
goat's milk, raw water buffalo's milk, or raw milk from any other hooved mammal
shall not exceed 100,000 bacteria per milliliter prior to commingling with any
other milk; and the bacteria count of raw sheep's milk, raw goat's milk, raw
water buffalo's milk, or raw milk from any other hooved mammal that is
commingled shall not exceed 300,000 bacteria per milliliter prior to
pasteurization; and
d. Raw milk shall freeze at or below -0.530° Hortvet;
e. Raw milk shall have no positive results of tests for
drug residues by detection methods reported to the State Regulatory Authority
by official laboratories, officially designated laboratories, milk plants,
receiving stations, or transfer stations;
f. 3. The somatic cell count of raw cow's milk
shall not exceed 500,000 somatic cells per milliliter. The somatic cell count
of raw water buffalo's milk, raw sheep's milk, or raw milk from any other
hooved mammal shall not exceed 750,000 somatic cells per milliliter. The
somatic cell count of raw goat's milk shall not exceed 1,500,000 somatic cells
per milliliter;.
g. Raw milk shall not exceed the actionable level,
tolerance level, or safe level for any chemical residue or pesticide residue
specified in 40 CFR Part 180 and 21 CFR Parts 70, 71, 73, 74, 80, 82, 130, 131,
133, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 189, 556, 570, 573, and 589. In
the event that no actionable level, tolerance level, or safe level for a
chemical residue or pesticides residue has been established in 40 CFR Part 180
and 21 CFR Parts 70, 71, 73, 74, 80, 82, 130, 131, 133, 170, 172, 173, 174,
175, 176, 177, 178, 189, 556, 570, 573, and 589, the tolerance level shall be
deemed to be zero; and
h. Raw milk shall not contain aflatoxin residues equal to
or greater than 0.50 parts per billion as determined by the Charm II aflatoxin
test or other equivalent method;
4. Grade A pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk and milk
products shall comply with the following standards:
a. The temperature of milk products shall be cooled to 45°F
or cooler (but not frozen) and maintained at that temperature;
b. The bacteria count for any milk or milk products (except
acidified or cultured milk or milk products, eggnog, cottage cheese, and other
milk or milk products as identified in FDA M-a-98) shall not exceed 20,000
bacteria per milliliter;
c. Except for commingled milk shipped in a transport tank
the coliform count for any milk or milk products shall not exceed 10 coliform
organisms per milliliter. Commingled milk shipped in a transport tank shall not
exceed 100 coliform organisms per milliliter;
d. The phenol value of test samples of pasteurized finished
product shall be no greater than the maximum specified for the particular
product as determined and specified by (i) any phosphatase test method
prescribed in the Official Methods of Analysis, 19th Edition, 2012, published
by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists; (ii) the Fluorometer test
method; (iii) the Charm ALP test method; or (iv) other equivalent method as
determined by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. A
phenol value greater than the maximum specified for the particular product
shall mean that the product was not properly pasteurized. A phenol value less
than the maximum specified for the particular product shall not be deemed to
mean that the product was properly pasteurized, unless there is evidence of
proper pasteurization equipment in conformance with this chapter and records to
determine an adequate pasteurization process has been completed for each
separate batch or lot of milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk
product, dry milk, or dry milk product;
e. Milk or milk products shall have no positive results of
tests for drug residues by detection methods reported to the State Regulatory
Authority by official laboratories, officially designated laboratories, milk
plants, receiving stations, or transfer stations;
f. Milk or milk products shall not exceed the actionable
level, tolerance level, or safe level for any chemical residue or pesticide
residue specified in 40 CFR Part 180 and 21 CFR Parts 70, 71, 73, 74, 80, 82,
130, 131, 133, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 189, 556, 570, 573, and
589. In the event that no actionable level, tolerance level, or safe level for
a chemical residue or pesticides residue has been established in 40 CFR Part
180 and 21 CFR Parts 70, 71, 73, 74, 80, 82, 130, 131, 133, 170, 172, 173, 174,
175, 176, 177, 178, 189, 556, 570, 573, and 589, the tolerance level shall be
deemed to be zero; and
g. Milk or milk products shall not contain aflatoxin
residues equal to or greater than 0.50 parts per billion as determined by the
Charm II aflatoxin test or other equivalent method;
5. Grade A pasteurized concentrated (condensed) milk or milk
product shall comply with the following standards:
a. The temperature of milk products shall be cooled to 45°F
or cooler (but not frozen) and maintained thereat unless drying is commenced
immediately after condensing; and
b. Except for commingled milk shipped in a transport tank,
the coliform count for any milk or milk product shall not exceed 10 coliform
organisms per gram. Commingled milk shipped in a transport tank shall not
exceed 100 coliform organisms per gram;
6. Grade A aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products shall comply with the following standards:
a. Aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products shall be commercially sterile;
b. Aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products shall have no positive results of tests for drug residues by detection
methods reported to the State Regulatory Authority by official laboratories,
officially designated laboratories, milk plants, receiving stations, or
transfer stations;
c. Aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products shall not exceed the actionable level, tolerance level, or safe level
for any chemical residue or pesticide residue specified in 40 CFR Part 180 and
21 CFR Parts 70, 71, 73, 74, 80, 82, 130, 131, 133, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175,
176, 177, 178, 189, 556, 570, 573, and 589. In the event that no actionable
level, tolerance level, or safe level for a chemical residue or pesticides
residue has been established in 40 CFR Part 180 and 21 CFR Parts 70, 71, 73,
74, 80, 82, 130, 131, 133, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 189, 556,
570, 573, and 589, the tolerance level shall be deemed to be zero; and
d. Aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products milk shall not contain aflatoxin residues equal to or greater than 0.05
parts per billion;
7. Grade A nonfat dry milk and dry milk or milk products
shall comply with the following standards:
a. The bacteria count shall not exceed 10,000 bacteria per
gram, and
b. The coliform count shall not exceed 10 coliform organisms
per gram;
8. Grade A whey for condensing or drying shall be maintained
at a temperature of 45°F (7°C) or less, or 135°F (57°C) or greater; provided
that, acid-type whey with a titratable acidity of 0.40% or above or a pH of 4.6
or below shall be exempt for the requirements of this subdivision;
9. Grade A pasteurized condensed whey and whey products
shall be cooled to 50°F (10°C) or less during crystallization and within 72
hours of condensing. The coliform count of grade A pasteurized condensed whey
and whey products shall not exceed 10 coliform organisms per gram; and
10. The coliform count of grade A dry whey, grade A dry whey
products, grade A dry buttermilk, and grade A dry buttermilk products shall not
exceed 10 coliform organisms per gram.
B. Sanitation requirements for grade A raw milk. 1.
Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall comply with:
a. The following administrative procedures contained in the
"Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision":
Section 4; Section 7, Items 1r, 2r, 3r, 4r, 5r, 6r, 7r, 8r, 9r, 10r(1), 10r(2),
11r, 12r, 13r, 14r, 15r, 16r, 17r, 18r(2), 18r(3), and 19r; Section 8; Section
10; and Section 13;
b. The following appendices contained in the "Grade
"A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision": Appendices A, B,
C, D, F, G, H, N, Q, and R;
c. Item 1r. Abnormal milk. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall:
(1) Milk last or with separate equipment cows, sheep,
goats, water buffalo, or other mammals that show evidence of the secretion of abnormal
milk in one or more quarters (based upon bacteriological, chemical, or physical
examination) and discard the milk obtained from cows, sheep, goats, water
buffalo, or other mammals that show evidence of the secretion of abnormal milk
in one or more quarters based upon bacteriological, chemical, or physical
examination; and
(2) Milk last or with separate equipment cows, sheep,
goats, water buffalo, or other mammals treated with, or that have consumed,
chemical, medicinal, or radioactive agents that are capable of being secreted
in the milk and that may be deleterious to human health; and dispose of in a
manner that will not pollute the environment or any human food the milk
obtained from cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, or other mammals treated with,
or that have consumed, chemical, medicinal, or radioactive agents that are
capable of being secreted in the milk and that may be deleterious to human
health;
d. Item 2r. Milking barn, stable, or parlor; construction.
Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Provide on the person's dairy farm a milking barn,
stable, or parlor in which the milking herd shall be housed during milking
time;
(2) Provide on the grade A permit holder's dairy farm a
milking barn, stable, or parlor, which milking barn, stable, or parlor shall:
(a) Have floors constructed of concrete or equally
impervious material;
(b) Have walls and ceiling that are smooth, painted, or
finished in an approved manner, and in good repair and have a ceiling which is
dust tight;
(c) Have separate stalls or pens for horses, calves, and
bulls;
(d) Have natural or artificial light, well distributed for
day or night milking;
(e) Have sufficient air space and air circulation to
prevent condensation and excessive odors;
(f) Have dust-tight covered boxes or bins, or separate
storage facilities for ground, chopped, or concentrated feed; and
(g) Not be overcrowded; and
(3) Provide and use only an "automatic milking
installation" that complies with the requirements of Appendix Q of the
"Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision" if
the person milks any cows, goats, sheep, water buffalo, or other mammals (except
humans) using robots or other automated means in the absence of any human;
e. Item 3r. Milking barn, stable, or parlor; cleanliness.
Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Keep the interior of the milking barn, stable, or
parlor clean;
(2) Keep the floors, walls, ceilings, windows, pipelines,
and equipment in the milking barn, stable, or parlor free of filth or litter
and clean;
(3) Keep swine and fowl out of the milking barn, stable,
and parlor;
(4) Keep surcingles, belly straps, milk stools, and
antikickers clean and stored above the floor; and
(5) Store feed in a manner that will not increase the dust
content of the air or interfere with the cleaning of the floor;
f. Item 4r. Cow yard, sheep yard, goat yard, water buffalo
yard, or other milking mammal yard. Each person who holds a grade A permit to
produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing
and packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall:
(1) Provide and maintain the cow yard, sheep yard, goat
yard, water buffalo yard or other milking mammal yard, to be graded and drained,
and to have no standing pools of water or accumulations of organic wastes;
(2) In the cow loafing, goat loafing, sheep loafing, water
buffalo loafing, or other milking mammal loafing, cattle-housing,
sheep-housing, goat-housing, water buffalo-housing, or other milking
mammal-housing areas remove cow droppings, sheep droppings, goat droppings,
water buffalo droppings, and other milking mammal droppings and remove soiled
bedding or add clean bedding at sufficiently frequent intervals to prevent the soiling
of the cow's, sheep's, goat's, water buffalo's, or other milking mammal's udder
and flanks;
(3) Assure that waste feed does not accumulate in the goat
yard, cow yard, sheep yard, water buffalo yard, other milking mammal yard, cow
loafing, sheep loafing, goat loafing, water buffalo loafing, other milking
mammal loafing, cattle-housing, sheep-housing, goat-housing, water
buffalo-housing, or other milking mammal-housing area;
(4) Maintain any manure packs so as to be properly drained
and so as to provide a reasonably firm footing; and
(5) Keep swine and fowl out of the cow yard, sheep yard,
goat yard, water buffalo yard, other milking mammal yard, cow loafing, sheep
loafing, goat loafing, water buffalo loafing, other milking mammal loafing,
cattle-housing, sheep-housing, goat-housing, water buffalo-housing, or other
milking mammal-housing area;
g. Item 5r. Milkhouse or room; construction and facilities.
Each who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Provide a milkhouse or milkroom of sufficient size in
which the cooling, handling, and storing of milk and the washing, sanitizing,
and storing of milk containers and utensils shall be conducted except as
provided under subdivision 1 n of this subsection;
(2) Provide a milkhouse with a smooth floor, constructed of
concrete or equally impervious material graded to drain, and maintained in good
repair;
(3) Dispose of in a sanitary manner all liquid waste
generated in the milkhouse;
(4) Provide one or more floor drains in the milkhouse,
which floor drains shall be accessible, and if connected to a sanitary sewer
system trapped;
(5) Provide in the milkhouse walls and ceilings constructed
of a smooth material, in good repair, well painted, or finished in an equally
suitable manner;
(6) Provide adequate natural or artificial light and
ventilation in the milkhouse;
(7) Use the milkhouse for no other purpose than milkhouse
operations;
(8) Provide no direct opening from the milkhouse into any
barn, stable, or into any room used for domestic purposes, other than a direct
opening between the milkhouse and milking barn, stable, or parlor provided with
a tight-fitting, self-closing, solid door, which door has been hinged to be
single or double acting. Screened vents in the wall between the milkhouse and a
breezeway, which separates the milkhouse from the milking parlor, are
permitted, provided animals are not housed within the milking facility;
(9) Provide in the milkhouse water under pressure which has
been piped into the milkhouse;
(10) Provide in the milkhouse a two-compartment wash vat
and adequate hot water heating facilities;
(11) Except as provided for under subdivision 1 g (12) of
this subsection provide a suitable shelter for the receipt of milk when the
grade A permit holder uses a transportation tank for the cooling or storage of
milk on the grade A permit holder's dairy farm, which shelter adjacent to, but
not a part of, the milkroom; and with the requirements of the milkroom shall
comply with respect to construction, light, drainage, insect and rodent
control, and general maintenance. In addition to providing a suitable shelter
as required by this subsection, the grade A permit holder shall:
(a) Install an accurate, accessible temperature-recording
device in the milk line used to fill the transportation tank downstream from an
effective cooling device capable of cooling the milk to 40°F or less before the
milk enters the transportation tank. Electronic records that comply with the
applicable provisions as referred to in Sections IV and V of Appendix H of the
"Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision," with
or without hard copy, may be used in place of temperature-recording records;
(b) Install an indicating thermometer as close as possible
to the temperature-recording device in the milk line used to fill the
transportation tank to be used for verification of recording temperatures,
which indicating thermometer shall:
(i) Have a temperature span of not less than 50°F including
normal storage temperatures plus or minus 5°F, with an extension of the scale
on either side permitted and graduated in not more than 2°F divisions;
(ii) Have temperature scale divisions spaced not less than
0.0625 inches apart between 35°F and 55°F;
(iii) Have an accuracy within plus or minus 2°F throughout
the scale range; and
(iv) Have the stem fitting installed in a pressure-tight
seat or other sanitary fitting with no threads exposed;
(c) Provide an effective means to agitate the transport
tank or an approved in-line sampling device in order to collect a
representative milk sample;
(12) If the State Regulatory Authority determines
conditions exist whereby the milk transport tank may be adequately protected
and sampled without contamination, a shelter need not be provided if the grade
A permit holder:
(a) Provides a means to make all milk hose connections to
the transport tank accessible from within the milkhouse;
(b) Provides a means to completely protect the milk hose
connection to the transport tank from the outside environment. With approval of
the State Regulatory Authority, the direct loading of milk from the milkhouse
to the milk tank truck may be conducted through a properly designed hose port that
adequately protects the milkhouse opening or by stubbing the milk transfer and
associated CIP cleaned lines outside the milkhouse wall in accordance with Item
5r, Administrative Procedure #15, of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized
Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision";
(c) Ensures only milk transport tanks the manholes of which
have been sealed after cleaning and sanitizing are utilized;
(d) Ensures only milk transport tanks that have been washed
and sanitized at permitted dairy plants or a permitted milk tank truck cleaning
facilities acceptable to the State Regulatory Agency are utilized;
(e) Installs an accurate, accessible temperature-recording
device in the milk line used to fill the transportation tank downstream from an
effective cooling device capable of cooling the milk to 40°F or less before the
milk enters the transportation tank. Electronic records that comply with the
applicable provisions as referred to in Sections IV and V of Appendix H of the
"Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision," with
or without hard copy, may be used in place of temperature-recording records;
(f) Installs an indicating thermometer as close as possible
to the temperature-recording device in the milk line used to fill the transportation
tank to be used for verification of recording temperatures, which indicating
thermometer shall:
(i) Have a temperature span of not less than 50°F including
normal storage temperatures plus or minus 5°F, with an extension of the scale
on either side permitted and graduated in not more than 2°F divisions;
(ii) Have temperature scale divisions spaced not less than
0.0625 inches apart between 35°F and 55°F;
(iii) Have an accuracy within plus or minus 2°F throughout
the scale range; and
(iv) Have the stem fitting installed in a pressure-tight
seat or other sanitary fitting with no threads exposed;
(g) Provides an effective means to agitate the transport
tank or an approved in-line sampling device in order to collect a
representative milk sample; and
(h) Provides a self-draining concrete or equally impervious
surface on which the transport tank can be parked during filling and storage;
h. Item 6r. Milkhouse or milkroom; cleanliness. Each person
who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Keep clean the floors, walls, ceilings, windows,
tables, shelves, cabinets, wash vats, nonproduct contact surfaces of milk
containers, utensils, equipment, and other milkroom equipment in the milkroom;
(2) Place in the milkroom only those articles directly
related to milkroom activities; and
(3) Keep the milkroom free of trash, animals, and fowl;
i. Item 7r. Toilets. Each person who holds a grade A permit
to produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall:
(1) Provide on the person's grade A dairy farm one or more
toilets, which shall be conveniently located and properly constructed, and
operated, and maintained in a sanitary manner;
(2) Prevent the access of flies to the waste contained in
or from the toilet;
(3) Prevent the waste contained in or from the toilet from
polluting the soil surface or contaminating any water supply; and
(4) Assure that there is no direct opening from the toilet
into any milkroom;
j. Item 8r. Water supply. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall:
(1) Provide water for milkhouse and milking operations from
a water supply properly located, protected, and operated. The water supply
shall be easily accessible, adequate, of a safe, sanitary quality, and meet the
construction standards of Appendix D of the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision";
(2) Construct the water supply so that no cross connections
between a safe water supply and any unsafe or questionable water supply or
other source of pollution exists; and
(3) Construct the water supply so that no submerged inlets
exist through which a safe water supply may be contaminated;
k. Item 9r. Utensils and equipment-construction. Each
person who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Provide multiuse containers, equipment, and utensils
for use in the handling, storage, or transportation of any milk, which multiuse
containers, equipment, and utensils, shall be made of smooth, nonabsorbent,
corrosion-resistant, and nontoxic materials; constructed as to be easily
cleaned; and maintained in good repair;
(2) Provide milk pails that are constructed to be seamless
and of the hooded type if the grade A permit holder does hand milking and
stripping;
(3) Abstain from using multiple-use woven material for
straining any milk;
(4) Use only single-service articles that have been
manufactured, packaged, transported, stored, and handled in a sanitary manner
and that comply with the requirements of subdivision C 1 of this section;
(5) Abstain from reusing any article intended for
single-service use; and
(6) Provide farm holding or cooling tanks, welded sanitary
piping, and transportation tanks that comply with the requirements of
subdivisions C 1 l and C 1 m of this section on any grade A dairy farm;
l. Item 10r. Utensils and equipment; cleaning. Each person
who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization,
aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall:
(1) Clean after each use, or once every 24 hours in the
case of continuous operations, the product-contact surfaces of all multiuse containers,
multiuse equipment, and multiuse utensils used in the handling, storage, or
transportation of any milk;
(2) 1. Offer for sale or sell no milk that has
passed through any equipment if the milk-contact surfaces of the equipment are
no longer visible or are covered or partially covered by an accumulation of
milk solids, milk fat, cleaning compounds, or other soils. Any milk that passes
through equipment, the milk-contact surfaces of which are no longer visible,
or are covered or partially covered by an accumulation of milk solids, milk
fat, cleaning compounds, or other soils, shall be deemed adulterated (Item
10r); and
(3) Construct a separate wash manifold for all CIP cleaned
milk pipelines in all new or extensively remodeled facilities;
m. Item 11r. Utensils and equipment; sanitization. Each
person who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall sanitize before each use the product-contact surfaces of
all multiuse containers, equipment, and utensils used in the handling, storage,
or transportation of any milk;
n. Item 12r. Utensils and equipment; storage. Each person
who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall store containers, utensils, and equipment used in the
handling, storage, or transportation of any milk in a sanitizing solution or
store the containers, utensils, and equipment used in the handling, storage, or
transportation of any milk to assure complete drainage, and protected from
contamination prior to use. Nothing in this requirement shall be deemed to
prohibit a grade A permit holder from storing in a milking barn or milking
parlor a milk pipeline, or the following pipeline milking equipment: milker
claw, inflation, weigh jar, meter, milk hose, milk receiver, tubular cooler,
plate cooler, or milk pump; if the milk pipeline or pipeline milking equipment
specified in this subdivision is designed for mechanical cleaning; and
designed, installed, and operated to protect the milk product and
solution-contact surfaces from contamination at all times;
o. Item 13r. Milking; flanks, udders, and teats. Each
person who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Milk all cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, and other
mammals in a milking barn, stable, or parlor;
(2) Trim the hair from the udder and tail of all milking
cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, and other mammals to facilitate cleaning of
the udder and tail;
(3) Keep the flanks, udders, bellies, and tails of all
milking cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, and other mammals free of visible
dirt;
(4) Keep the hair on the udders of all milking cows, sheep,
goats, water buffalo, and other mammals to a length that the hair on the udder
of any cow, sheep, goat, water buffalo, or other mammal cannot be incorporated
with the teat in the inflation during milking;
(5) Abstain from milking any cow, sheep, goat, water
buffalo, or other mammal whose udder or teats is not clean and dry;
(6) Treat with a sanitizing solution, just prior to
milking, the teats of each milking cow, sheep, goat, water buffalo, and other
mammal and dry the teats of each milking cow, sheep, goat, water buffalo, and
other mammal before milking; and
(7) Milk all cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, and other
mammal with dry hands;
p. Item 14r. Protection from contamination. Each person who
holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Locate and operate the milking and milkhouse
operations, equipment, and facilities to prevent any contamination of the milk,
equipment, containers, or utensils;
(2) Transfer immediately from the milking barn, stable, or
parlor to the milkhouse each pail or container of milk;
(3) Strain, pour, transfer, or store any milk unless it is
protected from contamination;
(4) Handle all containers, utensils and equipment that have
been sanitized in such a manner as to prevent contamination of any
product-contact surfaces;
(5) Transport from the grade A permit holder's dairy farm
to a milk plant or receiving station all milk in cans, using vehicles that are
constructed and operated to protect the milk from sun, freezing, and
contamination;
(6) Keep clean the inside and outside of each vehicle used
to transport from the grade A permit holder's dairy farm to a milk plant or
receiving station any milk in cans; and
(7) Transport no substance capable of contaminating the
milk when transporting milk;
q. Item 15r. Drug and chemical control. Each person who
holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Store all drugs and medicinals in such a manner that
neither the drugs nor the medicinals can contaminate any milk or the milk
product-contact surface of any equipment, containers, or utensils;
(2) Abstain from using unapproved or improperly labeled
medicinals or drugs to treat any dairy animals or store unapproved or
improperly labeled medicinals or drugs in the milkhouse, milking barn, stable
or parlor. Except for topical antiseptics, wound dressings (unless intended for
direct injection into the teat), vaccines and other biologics, and dosage form
vitamins and mineral products, a drug or medicinal is properly labeled only if
the drug or medicinal is labeled with the following:
(a) For over-the-counter medicinals or drugs, the name and
address of the manufacturer or distributor, or for prescription and extra-label
use medicinals or drugs, the name of the veterinary practitioner dispensing the
product;
(b) Directions for use of the drug or medicinal and the
prescribed holding time;
(c) Any cautionary statement for the drug or medicinal, if
needed; and
(d) The active ingredient or ingredients in the drug or
medicinal;
(3) Except for topical antiseptics, wound dressings (unless
intended for direct injection into the teat), vaccines and other biologics, and
dosage form vitamins and mineral products, segregate all medicinals and drugs
used for lactating dairy animals from any medicinals and drugs used for
nonlactating dairy animals to include dairy calves, dairy heifers, and dairy
bulls;
(4) Except for topical antiseptics, wound dressings (unless
intended for direct injection into the teat), vaccines and other biologics, and
dosage form vitamins and mineral products, provide separate shelves in a
cabinet, refrigerator, or other storage facility for the storage of all
medicinals and drugs for treatment of nonlactating dairy animals, to include
dairy calves, dairy heifers, and dairy bulls, separate from those medicinals or
drugs used for lactating dairy animals; and
(5) Store topical antiseptics, wound dressings (unless
intended for direct injection into the teat), vaccines and other biologics, and
dosage-form vitamins and mineral products in a manner that does not contaminate
any milk or the milk-product surfaces of any containers or utensils;
r. Item 16r. Personnel; hand-washing facilities. Each person
who holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall provide hand-washing facilities that are convenient to
the milkhouse, milking barn, stable, or parlor, and flush toilet and that
include separate hot and cold running water; soap or detergent; and individual
sanitary towels or other approved hand-drying devices. When individual sanitary
towels are used, covered trash containers shall be provided;
s. Item 17r. Personnel; cleanliness. Each person who holds
a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization,
aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall:
(1) Wash clean and dry with an individual sanitary towel or
other approved hand drying device the person's hands immediately before
milking, before performing any milkhouse function, and immediately after the
interruption of milking or performing any milkhouse function; and
(2) Wear clean outer garments while milking or handling any
milk, milk containers, utensils, or equipment. Bulk milk haulers shall wear
clean outer garments while handling any milk, milk containers, utensils, or
equipment;
t. Item 18r. Cooling. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging shall:
(1) Cool to 40°F or cooler (but not freeze) all raw milk
for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or
retort processed after packaging within two hours after the grade A permit
holder completes milking and assure that the temperature of the grade A permit
holder's raw milk is not warmer than 50°F after the first milking or any
subsequent milking. Raw milk for pasteurization that is warmer than a
temperature of 50°F after the first milking or any subsequent milking shall be
deemed a public health hazard and shall not be offered for sale or sold;
(2) Assure that circular recording charts are operated
continuously and maintained in a properly functioning manner. Circular charts
shall not overlap; and
(3) 2. Provide covered trash containers when
individual sanitary towels are used (Item 16r);
3. Agitate all raw milk for pasteurization for not less than five minutes at least once every hour; assure that the milk in the farm's bulk milk cooling or holding tank covers the agitator paddle sufficiently to facilitate proper cooling and sampling after the completion of the first milking; and abstain from selling or offering for sale milk that does not cover the agitator paddle sufficiently to facilitate proper cooling and sampling after the completion of the first milking (Item 18r);
4. Equip all farm bulk milk tanks with an approved temperature-recording device (Item 18r); and
u. Item 19r. Insect and rodent control. Each person who
holds a grade A permit to produce raw milk for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall:
(1) Take effective measures to prevent the contamination of
any milk, containers, equipment, and utensils by insects, rodents, and other
animals, and by chemicals used to control insects, rodents, and other animals;
(2) 5. Maintain the milkroom free of insects,
rodents, and other animals; (Item 19r).
(3) Keep the areas surrounding the milkhouse; milking barn;
milking stable; milking parlor; cattle, sheep, water buffalo, other mammal, or
goat housing; cattle, sheep, water buffalo, other mammal, or goat loafing area;
water supply; or other facilities on the grade A permit holder's dairy farm
neat, clean, and free of conditions that might harbor or be conducive to the
breeding of insects and rodents; and
(4) Store all feed in such a manner that the feed will not
attract birds, rodents, or insects.
C. Sanitation requirements for grade A pasteurized,
ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed
after packaged milk or milk products.
1. Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A
pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort
processed after packaged milk or milk products shall comply with:
a. The following administrative procedures contained in the
"Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision":
Section 7, Items 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p, 5p, 6p, 7p, 8p, 9p, 10p, 11p, 12p, 13p, 14p,
15p, 16p, 17p, 18p, 19p, 20p, 21p, and 22p (provided in the case of milk plants
or portions of milk plants that are IMS Listed to produce aseptically processed
and packaged milk or milk products, the APPS or RPPS, respectively, as defined
in the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013
Revision," shall be exempt from Items 7p, 10p, 11p, 12p, 13p, 15p, 16p,
17p, 18p, and 19p of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance,
2013 Revision" and shall comply with the applicable portions of 21 CFR
Parts 108, 110, and 113); Section 13; and Section 14;
b. The following appendices contained in the "Grade
"A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision": Appendices D, F,
G, H, I, J, K, L, N, O, R, and S;
c. Item 1p. Floors; construction. Each person who holds a
grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products shall:
(1) Except as specified in subdivision C 1 c (2) of this
section, provide floors for all rooms in which milk or milk products are
processed, handled, packaged, or stored, or in which milk containers,
equipment, or utensils are washed, constructed of concrete or other equally
impervious and easily cleaned material and that are smooth, properly sloped,
provided with trapped drains, and kept in good repair; and
(2) The floor in any cold-storage room used for storing
milk and milk products need not be provided with floor drains if the floors are
sloped to drain to one or more exits from the cold-storage room. The floor in
any storage room used for storing dry ingredients or packaging materials need
not be provided with drains, and the floor in any storage room used for storing
dry ingredients or packaging materials may be constructed of tightly joined
wood;
d. Item 2p. Walls and ceilings; construction. Each person
who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized,
aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or
milk products shall provide walls and ceilings of rooms in which milk or milk
products are handled, processed, packaged, or stored, or in which milk
containers, utensils, or equipment are washed, that have a smooth, washable,
light-colored surface, and that are in good repair;
e. Item 3p. Doors and windows. Each person who holds a
grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products shall provide:
(1) Effective means to prevent the access of insects and
rodents to any part of a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station;
and
(2) Solid doors or glazed windows for all openings to the outside
of any milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station and keep the doors
and windows closed during dusty weather;
f. Item 4p. Lighting and ventilation. Each person who holds
a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products shall provide rooms in which any milk or milk products are handled,
processed, packaged, or stored, or in which any milk containers, equipment, or
utensils are washed, that are well lighted and well ventilated;
g. Item 5p. Separate rooms. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed
and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Provide separate rooms for: (i) pasteurizing,
processing, cooling, reconstituting, condensing, drying, and packaging of milk,
dry milk, and milk products; (ii) cleaning milk cans, containers, bottles,
cases, and dry milk or dry milk product containers; (iii) the fabrication of
containers and closures for milk and milk products, except for aseptically
processed and packaged milk and milk products, or retort processed after
packaging milk and milk products in which the containers and closures are
fabricated within the APPS or RPPS, respectively; (iv) cleaning and sanitizing
facilities for bulk milk transport tanks if the grade A permit holder receives
any milk or milk product in bulk milk transport tanks; and (v) receiving cans
of milk and milk products separate from clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this
subdivision, unless all of the grade A permit holder's milk or milk products
are received in bulk milk transport tanks;
(2) Not use any room with a direct opening into any stable
or room used for domestic purposes to handle, process, or store any milk or
milk products or to wash or store any milk containers, utensils, or equipment;
(3) Use rooms of sufficient size so as not to be crowded to
handle, process, or store any milk or milk products or to wash or store any
milk containers, utensils, or equipment; and
(4) Provide designated areas or rooms for the receiving,
handling, and storage of returned packaged milk and milk products if the permit
holder receives any returned packaged milk or milk products;
h. Item 6p. Toilet-sewage disposal facilities. Each person
who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized,
aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or
milk products shall provide each milk plant with toilet facilities conforming
with the regulations of the Commonwealth and the following requirements: no
toilet room may open directly into any room in which milk or milk products are
processed; the toilet room shall be completely enclosed and shall have
tight-fitting, self-closing doors; the dressing room, toilet room, and fixtures
shall be kept in a clean condition, in good repair, and shall be well
ventilated and well lighted; and sewage and other liquid wastes from the toilet
room shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner;
i. Item 7p. Water supply. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed
and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Provide water for each milk plant from a supply that is
properly located, protected, and operated; and
(2) Provide water from a supply that is easily accessible
for inspection by the State Regulatory Authority, adequate, and of a safe,
sanitary quality;
j. Item 8p. Hand-washing facilities. Each person who holds
a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products shall:
(1) Provide hand-washing facilities, including separate hot
and cold running water, mix valve, soap, and individual sanitary towels or
other approved hand-drying devices, convenient in any area where milk or milk
products are handled, processed, or stored, and any area where containers,
utensils, or equipment, are washed or stored; and
(2) Keep the hand-washing facilities clean and in good
repair;
k. Item 9p. Milk plant cleanliness. Each person who holds a
grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products shall:
(1) Keep clean, neat, and free of any evidence of animals,
insects, or rodents all rooms in which milk or milk products are handled,
processed, or stored or in which containers, utensils, or equipment are washed
or stored; and
(2) Permit only equipment directly related to processing
operations or to the handling of containers, utensils, and equipment, in
pasteurizing, processing, cooling, condensing, drying, packaging, bulk milk, or
milk product storage rooms;
l. Item 10p. Sanitary piping. Each person who holds a grade
A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed
and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Use only sanitary piping, fittings, and connections
consisting of smooth, impervious corrosion-resistant, nontoxic, easily
cleanable materials that are exposed to any milk or milk products, or from
which liquids may drip, drain, or be drawn into any milk or milk products;
(2) Keep all piping in good repair;
(3) Except as specified in subdivision 1 l of this
subsection, use only sanitary piping to transfer any pasteurized or
ultra-pasteurized milk or milk products from one piece of equipment to another
piece of equipment; and
(4) Transport cottage cheese, cheese dressings, or cheese
ingredients by methods that protect the product from contamination;
m. Item 11p. Construction and repair of containers and
equipment. Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A
pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort
processed after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Use only multiuse containers and equipment, that may
come in contact with any milk or milk products constructed of smooth,
impervious, corrosion-resistant, and nontoxic materials; constructed for ease
of cleaning; and kept in good repair;
(2) Use only single-service containers, closures, gaskets,
and other articles that may come in contact with any milk or milk products that
are nontoxic and have been manufactured, packaged, transported, and handled in
a sanitary manner;
(3) Abstain from using more than once any articles intended
for single-service use; and
(4) Use only single-service containers, closures, caps,
gaskets, and similar articles manufactured, packed, transported, and handled in
a manner that complies with the requirements of Appendix J, "Standards for
the Fabrication of Single-Service Containers and Closures for Milk and Milk
Products" contained in the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk
Ordinance, 2013 Revision";
n. Item 12p. Cleaning and sanitizing of containers and
equipment. Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A
pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort
processed after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Effectively clean and sanitize before each use the
product-contact surfaces of all multiuse containers and equipment, utensils,
and equipment used in the transportation, processing, handling, and storage of
any milk or milk products;
(2) Use only multiuse containers for packaging pasteurized
milk and milk products that comply with the following: (i) the residual
bacteria count on multiuse containers may not exceed one per milliliter of
capacity when the rinse test is used, or the residual bacteria count on
multiuse containers shall not exceed 50 colonies per eight square inches (one
per square centimeter) of product-contact surface when the swab test is used;
in three-out-of-four samples taken at random on a given day; and (ii) all
multiuse containers shall be free of coliform organisms; and
(3) Use only single-service containers for packaging pasteurized
milk and milk products that comply with the following: (i) the residual
bacteria count of single-service containers shall not exceed 50 per container
when the rinse test is used, except that in containers less than 100
milliliters, the count shall not exceed 10, or the residual bacteria count of
single-service containers shall not exceed 50 colonies per eight square inches
(one per square centimeter) of product contact surface when the swab test is
used; in three-out-of-four samples taken at random on a given day; and (ii) all
single-service containers shall be free of coliform organisms;
o. Item 13p. Storage of cleaned containers and equipment.
Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized,
ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed
after packaged milk or milk products, shall after cleaning any multiuse milk or
milk product containers, utensils, or equipment, transport or store the
multiuse milk or milk product containers, utensils, or equipment in a manner
that assures complete drainage and in a manner that protects the multiuse milk
or milk product containers, utensils, or equipment from contamination before
use;
p. Item 14p. Storage of single-service containers, utensils,
and materials. Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A
pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort
processed after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Purchase all single-service caps, cap stock, parchment
paper, containers, gaskets, and other single-service articles for use in
contact with milk or milk products in sanitary tubes, wrappings, or cartons;
(2) Store in a clean dry place until used, single-service
caps, cap stock, parchment paper, containers, gaskets, and other single-service
articles for use in contact with milk or milk products;
(3) Store single-service caps, cap stock, parchment paper,
containers, gaskets, and other single-service articles for use in contact with
milk or milk products in sanitary tubes, wrappings, or cartons; and
(4) Handle single-service caps, cap stock, parchment paper,
containers, gaskets, and other single-service articles for use in contact with
milk or milk products in a sanitary manner;
q. Item 15p. Protection from contamination. Each person who
holds a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized,
aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or
milk products shall:
(1) Locate the person's equipment and facilities and
conduct milk plant operations to prevent any contamination of any milk or milk
products, ingredients, equipment, containers, or utensils;
(2) Discard all milk, milk products, or ingredients that
have been spilled, overflowed, or leaked;
(3) Perform the processing and handling of products other
than grade A milk and milk products in the person's milk plant to preclude the
contamination of any grade A milk or milk products;
(4) Store, handle, or use any poisonous or toxic material
to preclude the contamination of any milk, milk product, or ingredient and the
milk product contact surfaces of all equipment, containers, or utensils; and
(5) Clean, prior to use, all multiuse cases used to encase
packaged milk or milk product containers;
r. Item 16p. Pasteurization and ultra-pasteurization. Each
person who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized,
ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed
after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Perform pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization as
defined in 2VAC5-490-10, and Item 16p of the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision"; and
(2) Perform aseptic processing and packaging and retort
processed after packaging in accordance with the applicable requirements of 21
CFR Parts 108, 110, and 113;
s. Item 17p. Cooling of milk. Each person who holds a grade
A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products
shall:
(1) Maintain all raw milk and milk products at a
temperature of 45°F or cooler, but not frozen, until processed;
(2) Maintain all whey and whey products for condensing,
drying, or condensing and drying at a temperature of 45°F (7°C) or cooler; or
135°F (57°C) or greater until processed, except that acid-type whey with a
titratable acidity of 0.40% or above, or a pH of 4.6 or below, is exempted from
these temperature requirements;
(3) Completely empty and clean the tanks and vessels used
to blend and hold all milk or milk product flavoring slurries that contain milk
and milk products after each four hours of operation or less if such tanks are
not intended to be injected within a HTST pasteurization system as part of a
liquid ingredient injection system as outlined in Appendix H of the "Grade
"A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision" or unless the
slurry is stored at a temperature of 45°F (7°C) or cooler, or at a temperature
of 150°F (66°C) or greater and maintained thereat;
(4) Immediately cool, except for the following milk or milk
products, all pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk or milk products prior to
filling or packaging in approved cooling equipment to a temperature of 45°F or
cooler, but not frozen, unless drying is commenced immediately after
condensing:
(a) Those milk or milk products to be cultured;
(b) Cultured sour cream at all milkfat levels with a pH of
4.70 or below;
(c) Acidified sour cream at all milkfat levels with a pH of
4.60 or below;
(d) All yogurt products at all milkfat levels with an
initial pH of 4.80 or below at filling;
(e) Cultured buttermilk at all milkfat levels with a pH of
4.60 or below;
(f) All condensed whey and whey products shall be cooled
during the crystallization process to 50°F (10°C) or less within 72 hours of
condensing, including the filling and emptying time, unless filling occurs
above 135°F (57°C), in which case, the 72-hour time period begins when cooling
started; and
(g) All cultured cottage cheese at all milkfat levels with
a pH of 5.2 or below shall be cooled as per specifications of Item 17p (6a-6e)
of the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013
Revision";
(5) Store, transport, and deliver at a temperature of 45°F
or cooler, but not frozen, all pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk or milk
products with the following exceptions:
(a) Cultured sour cream at all milkfat levels with a pH of
4.70 or below shall be cooled to 45°F (7°C) or cooler within 168 hours of
filling;
(b) Acidified sour cream at all milkfat levels with a pH of
4.60 or below shall be cooled to 45°F (7°C) or cooler within 168 hours of
filling;
(c) All yogurt products at all milkfat levels with an
initial pH of 4.80 or below at filling and with a subsequent pH of 4.60 or
below within 24 hours after filling shall be cooled to 45°F (7°C) or cooler
within 96 hours after filling;
(d) Cultured buttermilk at all milkfat levels with a pH of
4.60 or below shall be cooled to 45°F (7°C) or cooler within 24 hours after
filling; and
(e) Cultured cottage cheese at all milkfat levels with a pH
of 5.2 or below shall be stored as per specifications of item 17p (5a-5d) of
the "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision";
(6) Store all pasteurized milk and milk products to be
condensed, dried, or condensed and dried at a temperature of 50°F (10°C) or
cooler until further processed;
(7) Equip with an accurate indicating thermometer each of
the rooms or tanks in which any milk, milk products, whey, or whey products are
stored;
(8) Maintain the temperature on delivery vehicles of milk
and milk products at 45°F (7°C) or cooler. Aseptically processed and packaged
milk and milk products and retort processed after packaged milk and milk
products to be packaged in hermetically sealed containers shall be exempt from
the cooling requirements of this item; and
(9) Provide ready access at the plant to cleaning records
and product storage temperature records stored electronically for review by the
State Regulatory Authority. Electronic records of cleaning shall comply with
the applicable provisions of Appendix H, Sections IV and V of the "Grade
"A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision";
t. Item 18p. Bottling and packaging. Each person who holds
a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products shall:
(1) Bottle or package all milk or milk products at the
place of pasteurization in the grade A permit holder's milk plant and in
approved mechanical equipment;
(2) Package and store in a sanitary manner all dry milk
products in new containers, which protect the contents from contamination; and
(3) Transport and store in a sanitary manner all condensed
and dry milk products in sealed containers from one milk plant to another milk
plant for further processing or packaging;
u. Item 19p. Capping. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed
and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products shall:
(1) Cap or close all milk or milk product containers in a
sanitary manner by use of approved mechanical capping or closing and sealing
equipment; and
(2) Use only caps or closures for all milk or milk products
that protect the pouring lip of a milk or milk product container to at least
its largest diameter and, use with respect to fluid product containers, only
caps or closures that the removal of the cap or closure cannot be made without
detection;
v. Item 20p. Personnel; cleanliness. No person who holds a
grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products shall:
(1) Permit any person in a milk plant to commence any plant
function before the person has thoroughly washed the person's hands to remove
soil and contamination or to permit any person in a milk plant to continue any
plant function if the person's hands are not clean;
(2) Permit any person in a milk plant to resume work after
the person has visited the toilet room before the person has thoroughly washed
the person's hands;
(3) Permit any person in a milk plant to engage in the
processing, pasteurization, handling, storage, or transportation of any milk,
milk products, containers, equipment or utensils, unless the person is wearing
clean outer garments;
(4) Permit any person in a milk plant to engage in the
processing of any milk or milk products unless the person wears adequate hair
covering; or
(5) Permit any person in a milk plant to engage in the
processing of any milk or milk products if the person is using tobacco;
w. Item 21p. Vehicles. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed
and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products shall
use vehicles to transport pasteurized and ultra-pasteurized milk and milk
products that are constructed and operated so that the milk or milk products
are maintained at a temperature of 45°F or cooler, but not frozen, and
protected from sunlight, from freezing, and from contamination;
x. Item 22p. Surroundings. Each person who holds a grade A
permit to produce grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed
and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products shall
keep neat, clean, and free from conditions that might attract or harbor flies,
other insects, rodents, or other pests that otherwise constitute a nuisance,
the area surrounding any milk plant;
y. Each grade A permit holder's receiving station shall
comply with subdivisions C 1 a through q of this section, inclusive, and
subdivisions C 1 s, v, and x of this section, except that the partitioning
requirement of subdivision C 1 g of this section shall not be deemed to apply;
z. Each grade A permit holder's transfer station shall
comply with subdivisions C 1 c, f, h through n, p, q, s, v, and x of this
section, and as climatic and operating conditions require, the provisions of
subdivisions C 1 d and e of this section; except that each person shall provide
overhead protection for a transfer station; and
a1. Each grade A permit holder's facilities for the
cleaning and sanitizing of bulk tanks that transport milk and milk products
shall comply with subdivisions C 1 a, f, h through n, p, q, v, and x of this
section, and as climatic and operating conditions require, the provisions of
subdivisions C 1 d and e of this section except that each grade A permit holder
shall provide overhead protection for facilities for the cleaning and
sanitizing of bulk tanks which transport milk and milk products in the grade A
permit holder's milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station.
D. Minimum facilities requirements for milk processing
plant. Each person who holds a grade A permit to produce grade A pasteurized,
ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed
after packaging milk or milk products shall:
1. Provide a separate receiving room meeting the
requirements of subdivision C 1 y of this section from any other area of the
plant for the receipt of milk or milk products in bulk if the plant receives
any milk or milk products in bulk;
2. Provide cleaning and sanitizing facilities for milk tank
trucks as part of the plant's receiving room facilities if the plant receives
any milk or milk products in bulk;
3. Provide a separate receiving room from any other area of
the plant for the receipt of milk or milk product in cans or other containers
if the plant receives any milk or milk product in cans or other containers;
4. Provide a separate room from any other area of the plant
for the cleaning of milk cans or containers, bottles, milk cases, and dry milk
or milk product containers if the plant receives any milk in cans or containers
or washes any bottles, milk cases, or dry milk or milk product containers;
5. Provide a separate room for the fabrication of containers
and closures for milk and milk products if the plant fabricates any containers
or closures;
6. Provide a separate room for the packaging of dry milk or
milk products if the plant packages any dry milk or milk product; and
7. Provide separate rooms from any other area of the plant
for each of the following operations performed on any milk, milk product, or
condensed and dry milk product: (i) pasteurization; (ii) processing; (iii)
cooling; (iv) reconstitution; (v) condensing; (vi) drying; and (vii) packaging,
if the operation is performed in the plant.
Part VII
Animal Health
2VAC5-490-60. Animal health. (Repealed.)
A. No person may produce, provide, manufacture sell, offer
for sale, store in the Commonwealth, or bring, send, or receive into the
Commonwealth any milk, milk product, or condensed and dry milk product for use
in the commercial preparation of grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized,
aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or
milk product unless the person complies with the following requirements:
1. Milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging from cows, goats,
sheep, water buffalo, and other mammals shall (i) be from a herd or
flock that complies with the "Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication: Uniform
Methods and Rules, effective January 1, 2005," 9 CFR Part 77, and
each herd or flock shall be located in a Modified Accredited Advanced
Tuberculosis Area or an Area Accredited Free of Bovine Tuberculosis as defined
in "Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules, effective
January 1, 2005"; (ii) be accredited as a tuberculosis-free herd by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture; (iii) have passed an annual tuberculosis test;
or (iv) be located in an area that has established a tuberculosis testing
protocol for livestock that assures tuberculosis protection and surveillance of
the dairy industry within the area and that is approved by FDA, USDA, and the
State Regulatory Authority;
2. Milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging from bison and
cattle shall be from a herd that complies with "Brucellosis Eradication:
Uniform Methods and Rules, effective October 1, 2003," 9 CFR Part 78, and
the following:
a. Each herd shall be located in a Certified
Brucellosis-Free Area as defined in "Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform
Methods and Rules, effective October 1, 2003," or shall be a certified
brucellosis-free herd by the United States Department of Agriculture;
b. Each herd shall meet the requirements for an
individually certified herd as defined in "Brucellosis Eradication:
Uniform Methods and Rules, effective October 1, 2003";
c. Each herd shall participate in a milk ring testing
program meeting the requirements specified in "Brucellosis Eradication:
Uniform Methods and Rules, effective October 1, 2003," in an area that
conducts a milk ring testing program at least two times per year at
approximately equal intervals, and any herd with a positive milk ring test
result shall be blood tested within 30 days from the date of the positive milk
ring test; or
d. Each cow, bull, heifer, calf, and bison in the herd
shall be individually tested by an "official" blood test as defined
in "Brucellosis Eradication" for the detection of brucellosis
annually;
3. Goat's milk, sheep's milk, water buffalo milk, and milk
from other mammals (except bison and cattle) for pasteurization,
ultra-pasteurization, aseptic processing and packaging, or retort processed
after packaging shall be from a herd or flock that:
a. Has an annual whole-herd brucellosis test as recommended
by the State Veterinarian or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge;
b. Has passed an initial whole herd or flock brucellosis
test, followed by the testing of all replacement animals or any animals
entering the milking group or sold as dairy animals on a continuing basis;
c. Has passed an annual random blood-testing program
sufficient to provide a confidence level of 99% with a P value of 0.05. Any
herd or flock with one or more confirmed positive animals shall go to 100%
testing until the whole herd tests show no positive animals are found. The
following table provides the random sampling size needed to achieve a 99%
confidence with a P value of 0.05:
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; or
d. Has passed a USDA-approved bulk milk brucellosis test
certified for use in each species of mammal and at the USDA-recommended
frequency for testing with an implementation date based on the availability of
the test; and
4. For diseases of cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, or
other mammals that might affect human health, other than brucellosis and
tuberculosis, the State Regulatory Authority may require physical, chemical, or
bacteriological examinations or other tests as may be deemed necessary by a
licensed veterinarian or a veterinarian in the employ of the State Regulatory
Authority to diagnose the disease. Each grade A permit holder shall dispose of
any diseased animal disclosed by testing in a manner that prevents the spread of
the disease to other animals or humans.
B. Each grade A dairy farm permit holder shall test his
whole herd of milking mammals for brucellosis using a test method acceptable to
a licensed veterinarian or a veterinarian in the employ of the State Regulatory
Authority within 30 days after each positive screening test result on a milk
ring test.
Part VIII
Milk and Milk Products That May Be Sold
2VAC5-490-70. Milk or milk products that may be sold. (Repealed.)
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section from
and after September 10, 1993, a person may sell, offer for sale, or expose for
sale in the Commonwealth only grade A pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized,
aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or
milk products to the final consumer, or to restaurants, soda fountains, and
grocery stores or similar establishments, provided only grade A milk and milk
products shall be sold to milk plants for use in the commercial preparation of
grade A milk and milk products.
B. No person may sell, offer for sale, or expose for sale
in the Commonwealth any pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed
and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk products that
have not been graded or the grade of which is not known to the final consumer,
or to restaurants, soda fountains, and grocery stores or similar establishments
unless the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services makes a finding in
writing (which the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services may renew
for terms not to exceed 90 days per term, without limitation) that the supply
of grade A raw milk for pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, aseptic
processing and packaging, or retort processed after packaging is not adequate
to meet the nutritional needs of any person who secures milk in Virginia; or
the supply of pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and
packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk product at retail is
not available for purchase by any person who secures milk in Virginia.
C. No person may sell, offer for sale or expose for sale or
possess in the Commonwealth any pasteurized, ultra-pasteurized, aseptically
processed and packaged, or retort processed after packaged milk or milk
products under the provision of subsection B of this section unless the milk or
milk product is labeled "ungraded."
2VAC5-490-73. Mandatory pasteurization for all milk, milk
products, condensed milk, condensed milk products, aseptically processed and
packaged milk and milk products, retort processed after packaged milk and milk products,
dry milk, and dry milk products in final package form intended for direct human
consumption. (Repealed.)
No person shall sell or hold with intent to sell or offer
to sell in intrastate commerce any milk, milk product, condensed milk,
condensed milk product, aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products, retort processed after packaged milk and milk products, dry milk, or
dry milk product in final package form for direct human consumption unless the
product has been pasteurized or is made from milk, milk product, condensed
milk, condensed milk product, aseptically processed and packaged milk and milk
products, retort processed after packaged milk and milk products, dry milk, or
dry milk product that has all been pasteurized, except where alternative
procedures to pasteurization are provided for under 21 CFR Part 133 for curing
of certain cheese varieties.
2VAC5-490-80. Transferring, delivery containers, cooling.
(Repealed.)
A. No person, except as authorized in this chapter, may
transfer any milk or any milk product from one container or tank truck to
another container or tank truck in any place except a milk plant, receiving
station, transfer station, or milkhouse especially used for that purpose and no
person may dip or ladle any milk or milk product;
B. No person may sell or serve to the public any pasteurized
or any ultra-pasteurized milk or milk product which has not been maintained at
a temperature of 45°F or cooler, but not frozen. No person may store any
pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized containers of milk or milk products in ice
unless the container is properly drained.
2VAC5-490-90. Milk and milk products from beyond the limits
of routine inspection. (Repealed.)
No person may provide, sell, offer for sale, or store in
the Commonwealth or bring, send, or receive in the Commonwealth any condensed
milk, condensed milk product, aseptically processed and packaged milk or milk
products, retort processed after packaged milk or milk products, dry milk, dry
milk product, or milk or milk product from outside the Commonwealth unless the
condensed milk, condensed milk product, aseptically processed and packaged milk
or milk products, retort processed after packaged milk or milk products, dry
milk, dry milk product, or milk or milk products are produced and pasteurized,
ultra-pasteurized, aseptically processed and packaged, or retort processed
after packaged under regulations that are substantially equivalent to this
chapter and the supply of the milk and the milk plant that produced the
condensed milk, condensed milk product, aseptically processed and packaged milk
or milk products, retort processed after packaged milk or milk products, dry
milk, dry milk product, or milk or milk product has been awarded a milk
sanitation compliance rating of at least 90 and an enforcement compliance rating
of at least 90, or awarded an acceptable HACCP listing made by a state milk
sanitation listing officer certified by the United States Public Health
Service. The State Regulatory Authority may impound any condensed milk,
condensed milk product, aseptically processed and packaged milk or milk
products, retort processed after packaged milk or milk products, dry milk, dry
milk product, or milk or milk product within the Commonwealth of Virginia if it
does not comply with the requirements of this section.
2VAC5-490-100. Construction plans for dairy farms and milk
plants. (Repealed.)
No grade A permit holder may construct, reconstruct, or
modify a milkhouse, milking barn, stable, parlor, milk tank truck cleaning facility,
transfer station, receiving station, or milk plant regulated under this chapter
without submitting to the State Regulatory Authority written plans for review
and approval before construction work is begun.
Part IX
Construction Plans for Dairy Farms and Milk Plants
2VAC5-490-103. Equipment and facilities; accessibility for inspection.
Each grade A permit holder shall ensure that his facilities and equipment are accessible for inspection by complying with the following:
1. Concrete lids, covers and access doors to each well house, water supply, or pump house shall be easily lifted or opened by a single person and require the person to lift no more than 80 pounds to gain free access to the facilities for inspection;
2. If the permit holder locks any portion of his facilities
requiring inspection, the permit holder, upon request, shall provide the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency with keys to open the
facilities, or the combination code for each lock to unlock the
facilities, or the permit holder shall ensure that he or his agent is
always available on the premises to provide access to the locked facilities
during all normal inspection times;
3. If the permit holder installs floor mats on cow standing surfaces in the milking parlor or barn, the entire area of the floor underneath of the floor mats shall be accessible for inspection by a single person working continuously for 20 minutes including the time necessary to lift and replace the floor mats on the floor;
4. If the permit holder installs any equipment that requires a
tool or tools to be disassembled for inspection, the permit holder shall
provide the tool or tools freely accessible to the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency during all normal inspection
times;
5. If the permit holder installs any equipment requiring inspection in an attic, loft, pit, or other area requiring a ladder for access, the permit holder shall provide a ladder convenient to each of these areas during all normal inspection times; and
6. If the permit holder installs any milk lines or other
milking equipment, milk transfer or wash solution lines in an attic, loft, pit,
or other area not visible from below by the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency, the permit holder shall ensure that all fittings and
joints are welded and contain no gaskets or joints that could leak and that the
interior surfaces of all milk lines or other milking equipment, milk transfer
or wash solution lines is fully accessible for inspection from outside the
attic, loft, pit, or other area not visible from below.
2VAC5-490-105. New or test facilities and equipment; equipment design, construction, and approval process.
A. At the request of any grade A permit holder, the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency may allow the temporary
installation of equipment or the temporary construction of dairy facilities
that the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency has
no or limited regulatory experience with, on a trial basis, to determine if the
equipment or dairy facilities can comply with the requirements of this chapter
under normal conditions of use. The State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency will at a minimum evaluate the equipment or facilities
for compliance with the requirements of this chapter when newly installed, as
well as, complete a separate evaluation of the inspection record during the
trial of the equipment or facilities to comply with the requirements of this
chapter over time under normal conditions of use.
B. At the conclusion of each trial, the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency shall inform the grade A permit
holder in writing if the equipment or facilities or both the equipment and
facilities comply with the requirements of this chapter. If the equipment or
facilities do not comply or both the equipment and facilities do not comply
with the requirements of this chapter, the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency shall inform the grade A permit holder in writing to
alter or remove his equipment or facilities or to alter or remove both his
equipment and facilities within a maximum of six months from the date of
receipt of the written decision by the permit holder.
C. The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency may renew or extend any temporary installation of equipment or the
temporary construction of dairy facilities beyond the time specified in the
written agreement between the grade A permit holder and the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency.
D. If the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency agrees to allow the temporary installation of equipment
or the temporary construction of dairy facilities, the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency and the grade A permit holder
installing the equipment or constructing the facilities shall each sign a
written agreement that at a minimum includes:
1. A description of the equipment or facilities and detailed
plans for their installation acceptable to the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency;
2. The name of the grade A permit holder and the physical address where the equipment or facilities will be installed;
3. The name and contact information for the person or
persons who will be installing the equipment or constructing the
facilities;
4. A detailed plan including:
a. A description of the items to be evaluated by the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency;
b. Criteria to judge the acceptability of performance by which
each item being evaluated will be measured by the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency;
c. A time table specifying the length of the trial, the minimum number of inspections, and time periods between inspections;
d. How inspection findings will be documented and reviewed with the permit holder and at what frequency;
e. A provision for the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency to end the temporary installation agreement before the
completion of the timeline and reject the equipment or facilities as not
complying with the requirements of this chapter if continuation of the trial will
not substantially affect the decision of the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency;
f. A provision that at the end of the timeline specified in
the agreement, the permit holder will remove or alter the equipment or
facilities within a maximum of six months from the date he the permit
holder receives written instruction to do so from the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency to comply with the requirements of
this chapter if the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency does not approve the equipment or facilities; and
g. A provision that the permit holder's failure to remove or
alter the equipment or facilities to comply with the requirements of this
chapter within six months after receipt of written instructions from the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency shall be considered
sufficient cause for permit suspension.
Part X
Personnel Health
2VAC5-490-110. Personnel health.
A. No person affected with any disease in a communicable form,
or while a carrier of a communicable disease, may work at any dairy farm or milk
plant in any capacity which that brings the person into contact
with the production, handling, storage, or transportation of milk or milk
products, or into contact with milk or milk product containers, equipment, or
utensils.
B. No person holding a grade A permit may employ any person having, or suspected of having, any disease in a communicable form, or of being a carrier of a communicable disease.
C. Any grade A permit holder who produces or distributes milk
or milk products, or condensed or dry milk products upon whose dairy farm, or
in whose milk plant any communicable disease occurs, or who suspects that any
employee has contracted any disease in a communicable form, or has become a
carrier of a communicable disease, shall notify the State Regulatory Authority
state regulatory agency immediately.
2VAC5-490-120. Procedure when infection is suspected. (Repealed.)
When reasonable cause exists to suspect the possibility of transmission of infection of a communicable disease from any person concerned with the handling of milk or milk products to any other person, the person concerned with the handling of milk or milk products and the person holding the grade A permit shall comply with the following measures:
1. The immediate exclusion of that person from milk handling;
2. No grade A permit holder may sell or offer for sale any milk or milk products that have been handled by or exposed to a person who is suspected of having a communicable disease or being a carrier of a communicable disease; and
3. Each person who is suspected of having a communicable disease or being a carrier of a communicable disease and his associates, at the discretion of the State Regulatory Authority, shall submit to medical and bacteriological examination by a licensed physician in the Commonwealth sufficient to make a medical diagnosis.
Part XI
Voluntary HACCP Program
Article 1
Program Participation
2VAC5-490-131. HACCP program participation voluntary.
A. Participation in the HACCP program is voluntary for each
person who operates a dairy plant, receiving station, or transfer station and
the State Regulatory Authority responsible for the permitting and auditing of
each person's dairy plant, receiving station, or transfer station. No person
operating a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station may participate
in the voluntary HACCP program unless the State Regulatory Agency responsible
for the permitting and auditing of each person's dairy plant agrees to
participate in the voluntary HACCP program also.
B. Each person volunteering to operate his milk plant,
receiving station, or transfer station under the voluntary HACCP program shall
provide a written commitment to the State Regulatory Authority responsible for
his milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station that he will supply the
necessary resources to support participation in the voluntary HACCP program.
C. Each State Regulatory Authority volunteering to
participate in the voluntary HACCP program shall provide a written commitment
to the person requesting to operate a milk plant, receiving station, or
transfer station under the voluntary HACCP program that the State Regulatory
Authority will supply the necessary resources to support participation in the
voluntary HACCP program.
D. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving
station, or transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program
shall have a minimum of 60 days of HACCP system records prior to a HACCP
listing audit. Each milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station shall be
inspected and permitted initially by the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency and shall be regulated initially under the requirements
of this chapter without taking into consideration the provisions of this part
until the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency
conducts an acceptable HACCP listing audit documenting the successful
implementation of a fully functioning HACCP system in the person's milk plant,
receiving station, or transfer station.
E. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station,
or transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall:
1. Comply with all of the provisions applicable to the
voluntary HACCP program contained in the "Grade "A" Pasteurized
Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision" to include:
a. Section 7;
b. Items 16p, 16p(A), 16p(B), 16p(C), and 16p(D);
c. Section 13;
d. Section 14;
e. Appendix H;
f. Appendix I;
g. Appendix K;
h. Appendix R; and
i. Appendix S.
2. Prepare their HACCP plan based on the following HACCP
principles:
a. Conduct a hazard analysis;
b. Determine the critical control points;
c. Establish critical limits;
d. Establish monitoring procedures;
e. Establish corrective actions;
f. Establish verification procedures; and
g. Establish recordkeeping and documentation procedures;
3. Prior to the implementation of a HACCP plan develop,
document, and successfully implement written prerequisite programs that provide
the basic environment and operating conditions that are necessary for the
production of safe, wholesome food.
Article 2
Implementation of a HACCP System
2VAC5-490-132. Prerequisite programs.
A. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving
station, or transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program
shall: 1. Provide provide complete, up-to-date process flow
diagrams for all grade A milk, milk products, condensed milk, condensed milk
products, dry milk, or dry milk products prior to developing the HACCP plan;.
2. Provide a brief written description or checklist for each
prerequisite program that can be audited against to ensure compliance. Each
prerequisite program shall include procedures that can be monitored, records
that specify what is monitored, and how often it will be monitored;
3. Develop and implement prerequisite programs that address
conditions and practices before, during, and after processing;
4. Develop and implement prerequisite programs that address:
a. Safety of the water that comes into contact with milk,
milk products, condensed milk, condensed milk products, dry milk, dry milk
products, or product-contact surfaces, including steam and ice;
b. Condition and cleanliness of equipment product-contact
surfaces;
c. Prevention of cross-contamination from unsanitary
objects or practices to milk, milk products, condensed milk, condensed milk
products, dry milk, dry milk products, or product-contact surfaces, packaging
material, and other food-contact surfaces, including utensils, gloves, outer
garments, etc., and from raw product to processed product;
d. Maintenance of hand washing, hand sanitizing, and toilet
facilities;
e. Protection of milk, milk products, condensed milk,
condensed milk products, dry milk, dry milk products, packaging material, and
product-contact surfaces from adulteration with lubricants, fuel, pesticides,
cleaning compounds, sanitizing agents, condensate, and other chemical,
physical, and biological contaminates;
f. Proper labeling, storage, and use of toxic compounds;
g. Control of employee health conditions, including
employee exposure to high risk situations, that could result in the
microbiological contamination of milk, milk products, condensed milk, condensed
milk products, dry milk, dry milk products, packaging materials, and
product-contact surfaces; and
h. Pest exclusion from the milk plant, receiving station,
or transfer station;
5. In addition to the required prerequisite programs
specified in this section, any other prerequisite programs that are being
relied upon in the hazard analysis to reduce the likelihood of hazards such
that they are not reasonably likely to occur shall also be monitored, audited,
and documented as required prerequisite programs; and
6. Comply with the requirements of Appendix K of the
"Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision."
B. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station,
or transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall:
1. Monitor the conditions and practices of all required
prerequisite programs with sufficient frequency to ensure conformance with
those conditions and that are appropriate both to the milk plant, receiving
station, or transfer station and to the safety of the milk, milk products,
condensed milk, condensed milk products, dry milk, or dry milk products being
processed;
2. Document the correction of those conditions and practices
that are not in conformance with all prerequisite programs;
3. Determine the frequency of calibration for indicating
thermometers, recording thermometers, and other devices used to monitor
prerequisite programs and ensure that they are properly calibrated to assure
accuracy at the determined frequency; and
4. Maintain records that document the monitoring and
corrections required by their prerequisite programs for review by the State
Regulatory Authority.
2VAC5-490-133. Hazard analysis. (Repealed.)
A. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall:
1. Develop, or have developed for it, a written hazard
analysis to determine whether there are hazards that are reasonably likely to
occur for each type of milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk
product, dry milk, dry milk product processed or handled by the milk plant,
receiving station or transfer station and to identify the control measures that
the milk plant, receiving station or transfer station can apply to control
those hazards;
2. Include in the hazard analysis, hazards that can be
introduced both within and outside the milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station environment, including hazards that can occur during handling,
transportation, processing and distribution;
3. Evaluate milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed
milk product, dry milk or dry milk product hazards that are reasonably likely
to occur and at a minimum, giving consideration to the following:
a. Microbiological contamination;
b. Parasites;
c. Chemical contamination;
d. Unlawful drug and pesticide residues;
e. Natural toxins;
f. Unapproved use of food or color additives;
g. Presence of undeclared ingredients that may be
allergens; and
h. Physical hazards.
2VAC5-490-134. HACCP plan. (Repealed.)
A. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall develop
and implement a written HACCP plan whenever a hazard analysis reveals one or
more hazards that are reasonably likely to occur.
B. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall ensure
the person's HACCP plan complies with the following:
1. The HACCP plan shall be developed by one or more
individuals who have been trained in accordance with the requirements of this
chapter;
2. The HACCP plan shall be subject to the recordkeeping
requirements of this chapter; and
3. The HACCP plan shall be specific to each location and
milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk or dry
milk product;
C. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall ensure
the person's HACCP plan shall at a minimum:
1. Include complete up-to-date process flow diagrams for all
milk, milk products, condensed milk, condensed milk products, dry milk and dry
milk products manufactured;
2. List all hazards that are reasonably likely to occur as
identified in the hazard analysis and that must be controlled for each type of
milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry milk or dry
milk product;
3. List the Critical Control Points for each of the
identified hazards, including:
a. Critical Control Points designed to control hazards that
could occur or could be introduced in the milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station environment;
b. Critical Control Points designed to control hazards
introduced outside the milk plant, receiving station or transfer station
environment, including hazards that occur before arriving at the milk plant,
receiving station or transfer station; and
c. A list of Critical Limits that shall be met at each of
the Critical Control Points;
4. List the procedures and the frequency with which they are
to be performed that will be used to monitor each of the Critical Control
Points to ensure compliance with the Critical Limits;
5. Include any corrective action plans that have been
developed in accordance with the corrective action requirements as described in
this chapter, and that are to be followed in response to deviations from
Critical Limits at Critical Control Points;
6. List the verification and validation procedures, and the
frequency with which they are to be performed, that the milk plant, receiving
station or transfer station will use in accordance with verification and
validation requirements as described in this chapter;
7. Provide a recordkeeping system that documents the
monitoring of the Critical Control Points in accordance with the record
requirements as described in this chapter; and
8. Create records that contain only actual values and
observations obtained during monitoring.
2VAC5-490-135. Corrective actions. (Repealed.)
A. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall take corrective
action as described in subsection B or subsection C of this section whenever a
deviation from a Critical Limit occurs.
B. Before a deviation occurs each person operating a milk
plant, receiving station or transfer station and participating in the voluntary
HACCP program:
1. May develop written corrective action plans, which become
a part of their HACCP plan. These corrective action plans may predetermine the
corrective actions that milk plants, receiving stations and transfer stations
will take whenever there is a deviation from a Critical Limit;
2. Shall develop corrective action plans that are
appropriate for each particular deviation and that:
a. Describes the steps to be taken;
b. Assigns responsibility for taking those steps to ensure
that:
(1) No milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk
product, dry milk or dry milk product is allowed to enter commerce that is
either injurious to health or is otherwise adulterated as a result of the
deviation; or
(2) If such milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed
milk product, dry milk or dry milk product has entered commerce, it is
expeditiously removed; and
(3) The cause of the deviation is corrected.
C. When a deviation from a critical limit occurs and a
corrective action plan that is appropriate for that deviation does not exist,
each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or transfer station and
participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall:
1. Segregate and hold the affected milk or milk product, at
least until the requirements of subdivisions 2 and 3 of this subsection have
been met;
2. Perform or obtain a review to determine the acceptability
of the affected milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry
milk or dry milk product for distribution. The review shall be performed by an
individual or individuals qualified by training or experience to perform such a
review;
3. Take corrective action, when necessary, with respect to
the affected milk, milk product, condensed milk, condensed milk product, dry
milk or dry milk product to ensure that no milk, milk product, condensed milk,
condensed milk product, dry milk or dry milk product is allowed to enter
commerce that is either injurious to health or is otherwise adulterated as a
result of the deviation;
4.Take corrective action, when necessary, to correct the
cause of the deviation; and
5. Perform or obtain timely validation by a qualified
individual or individuals to determine whether modification of the HACCP plan
is required to reduce the risk of recurrence of the deviation and modify the
HACCP plan as necessary.
D. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall ensure
that all corrective actions taken in accordance with this section are fully
documented in records that are subject to verification.
2VAC5-490-136. Verification and validation. (Repealed.)
A. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station,
or transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall verify
that the HACCP system is being implemented according to design, except that
critical factors for aseptically processed and packaged grade A milk and milk
products, as determined by the process authority and listed on the scheduled
process under 21 CFR Part 113 shall be managed separately from the voluntary
HACCP program, even if identified as a critical control point in the hazard
analysis. Critical factors identified in the scheduled process shall be
monitored under the operating supervision of an individual who has successfully
completed an approved course of instruction in low-acid canned foods as
required by 21 CFR 108.35.
B. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall include
in their verification activities:
1. The calibration of critical control point
process-monitoring instruments;
2. At the option of the person operating a milk plant,
receiving station, or transfer station, the performance of periodic end-product
or in-process testing;
3. A review, including signing and dating, by an individual
who has been trained in accordance with the training requirements of this
chapter, of the records that document:
a. The monitoring of critical control points;
b. The taking of corrective action; and
c. The calibrating of any process monitoring instruments
used at critical control points and the performance of any periodic end-product
or in-process testing that is part of HACCP plan verification activities;
4. The taking of corrective action procedures whenever any
verification procedure establishes the need to take a corrective action; and
5. The calibration of critical control point
process-monitoring instruments, and the performance of any periodic end-product
and in-process testing, in accordance with subdivisions 3 a and b of this
subsection, shall be documented in records and maintained as required by this
chapter.
C. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station,
or transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall:
1. Validate that the HACCP plan is adequate to control
hazards that are reasonably likely to occur at least once within 12 months
after implementation of the HACCP system and annually thereafter or whenever
any changes in the process occur that could affect the hazard analysis or alter
the HACCP plan;
2. Ensure the validation is performed by a qualified
individual or individuals trained in accordance with the requirements of this
chapter;
3. Ensure the validation is documented and the records
maintained as required by this chapter; and
4. Ensure the HACCP plan is modified immediately whenever a
validation reveals that the HACCP plan is no longer adequate.
D. Whenever a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer
station does not have a HACCP plan, because a hazard analysis has revealed no
hazards that are reasonable likely to occur, the person operating the milk
plant, receiving station, or transfer station and participating in the
voluntary HACCP program shall reassess the adequacy of the hazard analysis
whenever there are any changes in the process that could reasonably affect
whether a hazard exists.
2VAC5-490-137. Records. (Repealed.)
A. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall:
1. Use consistent terminology to identify each piece of equipment,
record, document, or other program throughout their written HACCP system;
2. Maintain the following records documenting the HACCP
system:
a. Records documenting the ongoing application of the
prerequisite programs, including a brief written description, monitoring and
correction records;
b. The written hazard analysis;
c. The written HACCP plan;
d. A table of contents and centralized list of the HACCP
program records, by title, documenting the ongoing application of the HACCP
system;
e. A document change log;
f. Records documenting the ongoing application of the HACCP
plan that include:
(1) Monitoring of Critical Control Points and their
Critical Limits, including the recording of actual times, temperatures, or
other measurements, as prescribed in the HACCP plan;
(2) Corrective actions, including all actions taken in
response to a deviation;
(3) A centralized deviation log; and
(4) Plan validation dates;
g. Required HACCP documents and forms specified in
subdivisions 2 a through c of this subsection shall be dated or identified with
a version number and each page shall be marked with a new date or version
number whenever that page is updated; and
h. Records documenting verification and validation of the
HACCP system, including the HACCP plan, hazard analysis and the prerequisite
programs.
B. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall ensure
all required records include:
1. The identity of the milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station;
2. The date and time of the activity that the record
reflects;
3. The signature or initial of the person or persons
performing the operation or creating the record;
4. Where appropriate, the identity of the milk or milk
product and the production code, if any;
5. Processing and other information entered on the records
at the time that it is observed; and
6. Only the actual values and observations obtained during
monitoring.
C. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall ensure
all required records specified in subdivisions A 2 a through c of this section:
1. Have been signed and dated by the most responsible
individual onsite at the milk plant, receiving station or transfer station to
signify that the records have been accepted by the firm; and
2. Are signed and dated upon initial acceptance;
a. Upon any modification; and
b. Upon verification and validation.
D. Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall:
1. Ensure all records required by this section for
perishable or refrigerated products are retained for one year after the date
that such products were prepared, and in the case of frozen, preserved, or
shelf-stable products, for two years after the date that the products were
prepared or the for the shelf-life of the product, whichever is greater;
2. Ensure all records that relate to the adequacy of
equipment or processes used, such as commissioning or process validation
records, including the results of scientific studies and evaluations, shall be
maintained at the milk plant, receiving station or transfer station facility for
a least two years after the date that the milk plant, receiving station or
transfer station last used such equipment or process;
3. Ensure that all processing records stored off-site are a
minimum of six months old from the date that the monitoring occurred and can be
retrieved and provided on-site within 24 hours after a request by the State
Regulatory Authority. Electronic records shall be considered accessible on-site
if they can be accessed on-site; and
4. Ensure all records required by this subsection shall be
available for review by the State Regulatory Authority at all reasonable hours.
2VAC5-490-138. Training. (Repealed.)
Each person operating a milk plant, receiving station, or
transfer station and participating in the voluntary HACCP program shall ensure
that each person who is responsible for (i) developing a hazard analysis; (ii)
delineating control measures; (iii) developing a HACCP plan that is appropriate
for the specific milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station; (iv)
validating and modifying the HACCP plan; or (v) performing required HACCP plan
record reviews has received basic HACCP training and an orientation to the
HACCP requirements contained in Appendix K of the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision."
Part XII
Interpretation and Enforcement
2VAC5-490-140. Interpretation and enforcement.
A. This chapter is based on the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision." Except as otherwise provided
in this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted in a
manner consistent with interpretations accorded the "Grade "A"
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013 Revision." B. The administrative
procedures used to conduct case decisions under this chapter shall conform to
the provisions of the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.
of the Code of Virginia).
C. B. The State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency shall comply with the following administrative procedures
when summarily suspending a grade A permit as specified in 2VAC5-490-31 B:
1. The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency shall serve upon the grade A permit holder a written notice of
suspension. The written notice of suspension shall specify the violations in
question and inform the grade A permit holder of the right to appear before the
State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency in person, by
counsel, or by other qualified representative at a fact-finding conference for
the informal presentation of factual data, arguments, and proof to appeal this
determination of violation;
2. Upon receipt of written application from any person whose
grade A permit has been summarily suspended (within 30 days after the effective
date of the summary suspension) the State Regulatory Authority state
regulatory agency shall within seven days after the date of receipt by the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency of a written
application from any person whose grade A permit has been summarily suspended
proceed to hold an informal fact-finding conference to ascertain the facts of
the violations in question and upon evidence presented at the informal
fact-finding conference shall affirm, modify, or rescind the summary
suspension;
3. The State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency shall, unless the parties consent, ascertain the fact basis for
their decisions of cases through informal conference proceedings. Such
conference proceedings include the rights of parties to the case to have
reasonable notice thereof, to appear in person or by counsel or other qualified
representative before the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory
agency for the informal presentation of factual data, argument, or proof in
connection with any case, to have notice of any contrary fact basis or
information in the possession of the agency that can be relied upon in making
an adverse decision, to receive a prompt decision of any application for
license, benefit, or renewal thereof, and to be informed, briefly and generally
in writing, of the factual or procedural basis for an adverse decision in any
case;
4. No person whose grade A permit has been summarily suspended
may be granted an informal fact-finding conference by the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency unless the State Regulatory
Authority state regulatory agency receives the person's written
application within 30 days after the effective date of the summary suspension;
5. From any adverse decision of an informal fact-finding conference,
the grade A permit holder may request a formal hearing under § 2.2-4020 of the
Code of Virginia by writing the Program Manager of the Office of Dairy and
Foods within 30 days stating the request and by providing the State
Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency with a statement of the
issues in dispute. If the request for a formal conference hearing
is denied, the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency
shall notify the grade A permit holder in writing and further may affirm or
modify the decision of the informal fact-finding conference; and
6. If a formal fact-finding conference hearing is
denied, the State Regulatory Authority state regulatory agency
shall notify the grade A permit holder of the right to file an appeal in the
circuit court.
FORMS (2VAC5-490)
Dairy Farm Inspection Report, ODF-DS-102 (rev. 2/06)
Application for a Dairy Farm Permit, ODF-DS-100 (rev. 6/12)
Dairy Farm Inspection Report, ODF-DS-102 (rev. 2/2018)
Application for a Dairy Farm Permit, ODF-DS-100 (rev. 4/2018)
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (2VAC5-490)
Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules,
effective January 1, 2005, available from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Federal Center
Building, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782, or Assistant District Director,
USDA/APHIS-VS, Virginia Area Office, 7th Floor, Federal Building, 400 North 8th
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23240
Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules,
effective October 1, 2003, available from U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Federal Center
Building, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782, or Assistant District Director,
USDA/APHIS-VS, Virginia Area Office, 7th Floor, Federal Building, 400 North 8th
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23240
Drug Residue Test Methods for Confirmation of Presumptive
Positive Results and Initial Producer Trace Back, M‑I‑96‑10
(Revision #8), March 22, 2012, published by the Food and Drug Administration,
Dairy and Egg Branch (HFS 316), 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park,
Maryland 20740-3835
Evaluation of Milk Laboratories, 2011 Revision, published
by the Food and Drug Administration Laboratory Proficiency and Evaluation Team,
HFH-450, 6502 South Archer Road, Bedford Park, Illinois 60501
Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2013
Revision, published by the Food and Drug Administration, Milk Safety Branch
(HFS-626), 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, Maryland 20740-3835
Official Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
Regulatory Laboratory Tests for Grade "A" Milk and Milk Products and
Grade "A" Dairy Farm and Milk Plant Water, "M-a-98", March
1, 2013
Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 19th 20th
Edition, 2012, 2016, published by AOAC International, 481 North Frederick
Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877-2417