§ 59.708. Raw product storage.

 (a)  Milk shall be held and processed under conditions and at temperatures that will avoid contamination and rapid deterioration. Drip milk from can washers or another source shall not be used for the manufacture of dairy products. Bulk milk in storage tanks within the dairy plant shall be handled to minimize bacterial increase and shall be maintained at 45 F or lower until processing begins. This does not preclude holding milk at higher temperatures for a period of time, where applicable to particular manufacturing or processing practices.

 (b)  The bacteriological quality of commingled milk in storage tanks shall be 3 million/ml or lower.

 (c)  At least monthly, a representative sample of commingled milk shall be taken by an approved sampler after receipt of milk by the plant and prior to processing.