The Examination of Milk and Milk Products

PURPOSE: This rule specifies sampling frequency and required chemical, pathological, and bacteriological test to be conducted on Grade “A” raw milk and milk products. (1) During each six- (6-) month period, at least four (4) samples of milk, cream, or both, from each producer-distributor shall be taken on separate days and examined at a State of Missouri approved laboratory. Samples may be taken any time prior to the final delivery of the milk or milk products. Bacterial plate counts, somatic cell counts, coliform counts, cooling temperature, and other laboratory and screening tests shall conform to the procedures in the most current edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products of the American Public Health Association as recommended by the Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), as adopted in 2 CSR 80-3.001. (2) Whenever two (2) of the last four (4) consecutive bacterial plate counts, somatic cell counts, coliform counts, and cooling temperature taken on separate days, exceeds the limit of the standards for the milk, milk product, or both, the state authority shall send a written notice to the producer and/or distributor concerned. This notice shall be in effect so long as two (2) of the last four (4) consecutive samples exceed the limit of the standard. An additional sample shall be taken within fourteen (14) days of the sending of the notice, but not before the lapse of three (3) days. Immediate suspension of the permit in accordance with 2 CSR 80-3.030, the court action, or both, shall be instituted whenever the standard is violated by three (3) of the last five (5) bacterial plate counts, somatic cell counts, coliform counts, and cooling temperature. (3) At issuance of permit, and two (2) times during each twelve (12) month period, thereafter, a sample must be taken prior to the final delivery of the milk or milk products and tested for the presence of pathogenic bacteria including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, and E. Coli 0157:H7. There shall be no pathogenic bacteria detected. Should a sample test positive for pathogenic bacteria including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, or E. Coli 0157:H7 the state authority shall send written notice of suspension to distribute to the producer and/or distributor. This notice shall be in effect until a clearing sampling is obtained for distribution of product. At the discretion of the Missouri State Milk Board, pathogen isolates obtained from the milk or milk products must be tested by whole genome sequencing. All pathogen testing must be reported to the Missouri State Milk Board within seventy-two (72) hours from the date the results were issued. State Milk Board is responsible for initial regulatory sampling and testing and one (1) sampling and testing per year thereafter. The Grade “A” Raw Milk permit holder is responsible to arrange sampling and pay for testing one (1) time each year and for clearing sampling and testing. AUTHORITY: section 196.939, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed June 20, 1973, effective June 30, 1973. Amended: Filed July 24, 2012, effective Jan. 30, 2013. Amended: Filed July 23, 2014, effective Jan. 30, 2015. Amended: Filed April 22, 2016, effective Oct. 30, 2016. Amended: Filed April 30, 2018, effective Nov. 30, 2018. Amended: Filed Nov. 6, 2020, effective May 30, 2021. *Original authority: 196.939, RSMo 1972, amended 1993, 1994, 1995.