32.9.304    MILKHOUSE OR MILKROOM

(1) A milkhouse or milkroom conveniently located and properly constructed, lighted, and ventilated must be provided for handling and cooling milk and for washing, handling, and storing the utensils and equipment. Other products may not be handled in the milkroom which would be likely to contaminate milk or otherwise create a public-health hazard.

(2) The milkhouse or milkroom must be equipped with wash and rinse vat, utensil rack, milk cooling facilities, and have an adequate supply of hot water available for cleaning milking equipment. If a part of the barn or other building, it must be partitioned, screened and sealed to prevent the entrance of dust, flies, or other contamination. Concentrates and feed, if stored in the building, must be kept in a tightly covered box or bin. The floor of the building must be of concrete or other impervious material and graded to provide proper drainage. The walls and ceilings must be constructed of smooth, easily cleaned material. All outside doors must open outward and be self-closing, unless they are provided with tight-fitting screen doors that open outward or unless other effective means are provided to prevent the entrance of flies.

(3) If a farm bulk tank is used, it must be properly located in the milkhouse or milkroom for access to all areas for cleaning and servicing. It may not be located over a floor drain or under a ventilator.

(4) A small platform or slab constructed of concrete or other impervious material must be provided outside the milkhouse, properly centered under a suitable port opening in the wall for milkhouse connections. The opening must be fitted with a tight, self-closing door. The truck approach to the milkhouse or milkroom must be properly graded and surfaced to prevent mud or pooling of water at the point of loading.

(5) The milkhouse or milkroom and appurtenances must be kept clean and free of trash, animals and fowl. Pesticides may not be stored in this room and when used must be used in accordance with label instructions so as to prevent contamin-ation of the milk.

History: Secs. 81-2-102, 81-22-102 MCA; IMP, Secs. 81-2-102, 81-22-102 MCA; Eff. 12/31/72, AMD, 1977 MAR p. 758, Eff. 10/25/77.