What Are the USDA Regulations for Transporting Milk?

The United States Department of Agriculture has recommended requirements for the transportation of milk and cream, but it authorizes state regulatory agencies to create their own regulations based on the recommendations. The USDA requirements cover everything from the production of the milk to the labeling and storage of the dairy products made from it.

Milk Cans

• Milk must be transported from dairy farms to plants in milk cans that can be easily cleaned and repaired. The USDA also recommends that the design be seamless with umbrella lids. You should be able to easily inspect the cans so they are sanitary and free from open seams, cracks or rust. Milk cans should only be used to transport milk or cream and nothing else.

Vehicles

• Vehicles used to transport milk and cream should be enclosed to protect the milk or cream from heat, dust and other adverse conditions. If the milk cans are to be stacked, the vehicle must have decking boards or racks. Finally the bulk tanks on trucks can only be used to transport milk or cream and nothing else.

Bulk Tanks

• The bulk tanks cannot have cracks or open seams that permit liquid to enter the interior shell. The interior shell should be made of stainless steel so that it won't buckle or sag. It should also be able to be drained completely. The surfaces that come into contact with milk or cream should be smooth and easily cleaned. The inlet and outlet of the pump and hose should have a dust cover and be kept in an enclosed area with a tight-fitting door.

Transferring From Bulk Tanks

• Milk should be transferred from a bulk tank under sanitary conditions. The piping should be made of stainless steel or an approved tubing. When not in use, the piping must be capped.