Page 12 - Microsoft Word -Cow Book 10-06-09 final update.doc

The USPHS had no real regulatory jurisdiction over the states or cities for the
control of milk supplies. The exception was (and remains in effect) on
interstate carriers and in many government facilities. Many states and
municipalities therefore readily accepted the USPHS promulgated milk
Ordinance for their use and adoption.

One problem in controlling the movement and sanitary assurance of milk
supplies is that milk is a food product
often transported between cities and
states. This shipping of milk created Grade A Milk
concerns between the states which
resulted in regulatory inspectors
traveling outside their jurisdictions to inspect an imported milk supply. These
policies often times created confusion among the shippers because of
occasional non-uniformities in regulations and local interpretations.

There was a definite need for a national uniform program to oversee and
govern the shipment of milk products in interstate and intrastate commerce. In
1952, a group of states met in St. Louis, MO, along with the U. S. Public
Health Service and created what is now known as the National Conference on
Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS). This conference has been one of the
most successful national entities in existence and its sole purpose is to
promote uniformity, allow reciprocity, and to provide the "best possible milk
supply for all the people".

Milk is one of the most tightly regulated and inspected food supplies in the
nation. Producer dairies are inspected a minimum of twice a year, with many
agencies inspecting on a quarterly or monthly schedule. Interstate listed
shippers are surveyed at least once every 24 months and the results of these
ratings are published in the NCIMS periodical. All milk shippers listed are also
subject to federal (FDA) audits or "check ratings" to assure published rating
validity.

Raw milk is sampled at the farm bulk milk tank, from the milk tanker, and at
the plant from the storage silo tanks. Individual farm supplies are tested for
compliance with bacteria, temperature, somatic cell and antibiotic standards.
Periodic testing is also done for pesticide residues. Some regulatory agencies
perform sediment and added water tests. Each dairy herd is also monitored
for the presence of Tuberculosis and Brucellosis infections and must remain
on the “Certified” list for the state to maintain their “Certified Tuberculosis and
Brucellosis Free” status.

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