§ 59.504. Bacterial estimate classification.
Milk shall be classified for bacterial estimate as follows by one of the listed methods:
| Bacterial estimate classification | Direct microscopic clump count, standard plate count or plate loop count |
| No. 1 (acceptable) | Not over 500,000 per ml. |
| No. 2 (acceptable) | Not over 1,000,000 per ml. |
| Undergrade (probation 4 weeks) | Over 1,000,000 per ml. |
(1) Method of testing. Methods for determining the bacterial estimate of milk shall be those described in the current edition of Standard Methods and the current edition of the Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists or other methods approved by the Secretary.
(2) Frequency of tests. At least once a month at irregular intervals, a mixed sample of each producer’s milk shall be tested.
(3) Acceptance of milk. If the sample of milk is classified as No. 1 or No. 2, the producer’s milk may be accepted without qualification. If the sample is classified as undergrade—probational—the producer’s milk may be accepted for a temporary period of 4 weeks. The producer of undergrade milk shall be notified immediately by the permit holder.
(4) Retests. Additional samples shall be tested and classified at least weekly, and the producer shall be notified immediately of the results. This procedure of testing at least weekly and accepting undergrade milk may be continued for a period not exceeding 4 weeks. If at the end of this time the producer’s milk does not meet the acceptable bacterial estimate requirements (No. 1 or No. 2), it shall be suspended from market.
This section cited in 7 Pa. Code § 59.1 (relating to definitions); 7 Pa. Code § 59.506 (relating to suspended milk for manufacturing); and 7 Pa. Code § 59.507 (relating to inspection and testing of milk).
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