Milk sampling, hauling, and transport are integral parts of a modern dairy industry. Hauling, sampling, and transport can be categorized into three (3) separate functions: Dairy or industry plant samplers, bulk milk hauling and sampling, and milk transport from one (1) milk-handing facility to another.

1. I. MILK SAMPLING AND HAULING PROCEDURES

   1. 1. Six (6) questions relating to sanitation and personal cleanliness.
   2. 2. Six (6) questions relating to sampling and weighing procedures.
   3. 3. Four (4) questions relating to equipment, including proper use, care, cleaning, etc.

   4. 4. Four (4) questions relating to proper record keeping requirements.

      Regularly scheduled refresher short courses by the regulatory agents and officials administering weights and measures would assist in maintaining and increasing the efficiency of the bulk milk hauler or sampler. Appropriate training should also be provided to industry plant samplers with regularly scheduled refresher short courses.

      QUALIFICATIONS:

   The dairy plant sampler is a person responsible for the collection of official samples for regulatory purposes outlined in 420-3-16-.07. These persons are employees of the Health Officer and are evaluated at least once each two (2) year period by an SSO or a properly delegated Sampling Surveillance Regulatory Official (dSSO). These individuals are evaluated using ADPH-FML-248A (Alabama Department of Public Health Bulk Milk Hauler Report and Sampler Evaluation Form), which is derived from the most current edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products SMEDP (refer to Appendix M).

   Note: For the purposes of determining the inspection frequency for bulk milk hauler/samplers, industry plant samplers, and dairy plant samplers, the interval shall include the designated twenty-four (24) month period plus the remaining days of the month in which the inspection is due.

   The bulk milk hauler or sampler is any person who collects official samples and may transport raw milk from a farm and/or raw milk products to or from a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station and has in their possession a permit from any regulatory agency to sample such products. The bulk milk hauler or sampler occupies a unique position making this individual a critical factor in the current structure of milk marketing. As a weigher and sampler, they stand as the official, and frequently the only judge of milk volumes bought and sold. As a milk receiver, the operating habits directly affect the quality and safety of milk committed to their care. When the obligations include the collection and delivery of samples for laboratory analysis, the bulk milk hauler/sampler becomes a vital part of the quality control and regulatory programs affecting producer dairies. Section .04 of this rule requires that Health Officers establish criteria for issuing permits to bulk milk haulers or samplers. These individuals are evaluated at least once each two (2) year period using ADPH-FML-284A.

   The industry plant sampler or bulk milk hauler or sampler is a person responsible for the collection of official samples for regulatory purposes at a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station as outlined in Appendix N. These industry plant samplers are employees of the dairy plant, receiving station, or transfer station and are evaluated at least once each two (2) year period by an SSO or a dSSO. These industry plant samplers are evaluated using ADPH-FML-284A.

   The milk tank truck driver is any person who transports raw or pasteurized milk or milk products to or from a milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station. Any transportation of a direct farm pickup requires the milk tank truck driver to have responsibility for accompanying official samples. The criteria for permitting these individuals should embrace at least the following:

   TRAINING - To understand the importance of bulk milk collection and the techniques of sampling, including the use of an approved in-line sampler and approved aseptic samplers for milk tank trucks or for farm bulk milk tanks and/or silos, all bulk milk haulers or samplers and industry plant samplers shall be told why, and instructed how, in the proper procedures of picking up milk and the collection of samples. The Health Officer, dairy field person, route supervisors, or any appropriate person whose techniques and practices are known to meet the requirements can conduct this training. If the Health Officer does not conduct the training, the training shall be approved by or conducted under the supervision of the Health Officer. Training also frequently takes the form of classroom sessions in which the trainer describes pickup practices, demonstrates sampling and care of samples, and affords the candidate the opportunity for guided practice in these techniques. Basic considerations of sanitation and personal cleanliness, which are important to the protection of milk quality, are discussed here. Officials administering weights and measures may participate in these programs and provide instruction in the measuring of milk and the keeping of required records.

   An examination, approved by the Health Officer shall be administered at the conclusion of this program. Candidates failing the exam, a score of less than 70 percent, shall be denied permits or licenses until indicated deficiencies are corrected. The examination should be adequate enough to determine if a bulk milk hauler or sampler is competent. The exam shall be composed of a minimum of twenty (20) total questions broken down into the following areas:

2. 1. Experience - Experience may include a required period of observation during which the candidate accompanies a bulk milk hauler or sampler in the performance of their duties.

3. 2. Personal References - Permit applications should be supported by suitable references testifying to the character and integrity of the candidate.

   1. 1. Personal Appearance - Bulk milk haulers or samplers shall practice good hygiene; shall maintain a neat and clean appearance; and not use tobacco in the milkhouse.

   2. 2. Equipment Requirements

      1. (a) Sample rack and compartment to hold all samples collected.
      2. (b) Refrigerant to hold temperature of milk samples between 0°C- 4.5°C (32°F- 40°F).
      3. (c) Sample dipper or other approved aseptic sampling devices of sanitary design and material approved by the Health Officer; clean and in good repair.
      4. (d) Single use sample containers; properly stored.
      5. (e) Calibrated pocket thermometer; certified for accuracy every six (6) months; accuracy ±1°C (2°F).
      6. (f) Approved sanitizing agent and sample dipper container.
      7. (g) Watch for timing milk agitation.
      8. (h) Applicable sanitizer test kit.
      9. (i) Single-service sanitary towels shall be provided for bulk tanks with a measuring rod.

   3. 3. Milk Quality Checks

      1. (a) Examine the milk by sight and smell for any off odor or any other abnormalities that would class the milk as not being acceptable. Reject if necessary.
      2. (b) Wash hands thoroughly, and dry with a clean individual sanitary towel or other approved hand-drying device immediately prior to measuring and/or sampling the milk.
      3. (c) Record milk temperature, collection time (optionally, in military time 24 hour clock), date of pick-up, and bulk milk hauler’s or sampler’s name and license or permit number on the farm weight ticket; monthly the hauler or sampler shall check the accuracy of the thermometer on each bulk tank and record results when used as a test thermometer. Accuracy of required recording thermometers shall be checked monthly against a standardized thermometer and recorded. Pocket thermometer shall be sanitized before use.

   4. 4. Milk Measurements

      1. (a) The measurement of the milk shall be taken before agitation. If the agitator is running upon arrival at the milkhouse, the measurement can be taken only after the surface of the milk has been quiescent.
      2. (b) Carefully insert the measuring rod, after it has been wiped dry with a clean individual sanitary towel, into the tank. Repeat this procedure until two (2) identical measurements are taken. Record measurements on the farm weight ticket.
      3. (c) Do not contaminate the milk during measurement.

   5. 5. Universal Sampling System - When bulk milk haulers or samplers collect raw milk samples, the “universal sampling system” shall be employed, whereby samples are collected every time milk is picked up at the farm. This system permits the Health Officer, at its discretion, at any given time and without notification to the industry, to analyze samples collected by the bulk milk hauler/sampler. The use of the “universal sample” puts more validity and faith in samples collected by industry personnel. The following are sampling procedures:

      1. (a) Pick-up and handling practices are conducted to prevent contamination of milk contact surfaces.
      2. (b) The milk shall be agitated a sufficient time to obtain a homogeneous blend. Follow the Health Officer’s and/or manufacturer’s guidelines or when using an approved aseptic sampling device, follow the specified protocol and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for that device.
      3. (c) While the farm bulk milk tank and/or silo are being agitated, bring the sample container, dipper, dipper container, and sanitizing agent for the outlet valve, or single-service sampling tubes into the milkhouse aseptically. Remove the cap from the farm bulk milk tank and/or silo outlet valve and examine for milk deposits or foreign matter and then sanitize if necessary. Protect the hose cap from contamination when removing it from the transfer hose and during storage.
      4. (d) The sample may only be collected after the milk has been properly agitated or when using an approved aseptic sampling device, follow the specified protocol and SOP for that device. Remove the dipper or sampling device from the sanitizing solution or sterile container and rinse at least twice in the milk.
      5. (e) Collect a representative sample or samples from the farm bulk milk tank and/or silo by using a sample dipper or other approved aseptic sampling device (refer to Section IV Requirements for Using An Approved Aseptic Sampler for Farm Bulk Milk Tanks and Silos of Appendix B for the specific protocol for the use of approved aseptic sampling devices). When transferring milk from the sampling equipment, caution should be used to assure that milk is not spilled back into the farm bulk milk tank and/or silo. Do not fill the sampling container more than three-quarters (¾) full. Close the cover on the sample container.
      6. (f) The sample dipper shall be rinsed free of milk and placed in its carrying container.
      7. (g) Close the cover or lid of the farm bulk milk tank.
      8. (h) The sample shall be identified with the producer’s number at the point of collection.
      9. (i) A temperature control sample shall be taken at the first stop of each load. This sample shall be labeled with collection time (optionally, in military time twenty-four [24] hour clock), date, temperature, and producer and bulk milk hauler or sampler identification.
      10. (j) Place the sample or samples immediately into the sample storage case.

   6. 6. Pump-Out Procedures

      1. (a) Once the measurement and sampling procedures are completed, with the agitator still running, open the outlet valve and start the pump. Turn off the agitator when the level of milk is below the level that will cause over-agitation.
      2. (b) When the milk has been removed from the tank, disconnect the hose from the outlet valve and cap the hose.
      3. (c) Observe the inside surfaces of the bulk tank for foreign matter or extraneous material and record any objectionable observations on the farm weight ticket.
      4. (d) With the outlet valve open, thoroughly rinse the entire inside the surface of the tank with warm water.

   7. 7. Sampling Responsibilities

      1. (a) All sample containers and single-service sampling tubes used for sampling shall comply with all the requirements that are in the current edition of SMEDP. Samples shall be cooled to and held between 0°C (32°F) and 4.5°C (40°F) during transit to the laboratory.
      2. (b) Means shall be provided to properly protect the samples in the sample case. Keep refrigerant at an acceptable level.
      3. (c) Racks shall be provided so that the samples are properly cooled in an ice bath.

      4. (d) Adequate insulation of the sample container box or ice chest shall be provided to maintain the proper temperature of the samples throughout the year.

         The SSO conducts periodic evaluations of sampling procedures. This program will promote uniformity and compliance of sample collection procedures.

   EVALUATION OF BULK MILK HAULER OR SAMPLER PROCEDURES

   The routine inspection of bulk milk hauling or sampling procedures provides the Health Officer with an opportunity to check both the condition of the bulk milk hauler’s or sampler’s equipment and the degree of conformance with required practices.

   The bulk milk hauler’s or sampler’s technique is best determined when the regulatory agent is able to observe the bulk milk hauler or sampler at one (1) or more farms. Each bulk milk hauler or sampler shall be inspected by the Health Officer prior to the issuance of a permit and at least once every twenty-four (24) months thereafter as referenced in 420-3-16-.06. The bulk milk hauler or sampler shall hold a valid permit prior to the collection of official samples. Health Officers may use inspections from any regulatory agency as a means of maintaining record requirements and enforcement.

   Note: The option to utilize inspections of bulk haulers or samplers conducted by other regulatory agencies, as cited above, shall not be applicable to a third party certifier (TPC) authorized under the ICP.

   The procedures for sampling and the care of samples should be in compliance with the current edition of SMEDP.

   Specific items to be evaluated in determining compliance include:

4. II. REQUIREMENTS FOR USING AN APPROVED IN-LINE SAMPLER

   1. 1. A description of how the milk sample is to be collected, identified, handled, and stored.
   2. 2. A description of the means used to refrigerate the sample collection device and milk sample collection container throughout the milk sample collection period.
   3. 3. A means to monitor the sampler device temperature and milk sample temperature and the milk temperature.
   4. 4. A description of how and when the sampler is to be cleaned and sanitized, if not of a single use design.
   5. 5. A listing of the licensed bulk milk haulers or samplers who have been trained to maintain, operate, clean, and sanitize the sample collection device as well as to collect, identify, handle, and store the milk sample.
   6. 6. A description of the method and means that will be used to determine weight of the milk on the milk tank truck.

   A protocol specific to each milk producer who direct loads milk tank trucks (through by-passing the use of farm bulk milk tanks or silos) while utilizing an approved in-line sampler shall be developed by the Health Officer in cooperation with the sampling equipment manufacturer, the milk buyer, the milk producer, and the FDA. As a minimum, the protocol should include the following:

5. III. REQUIREMENTS FOR USING AN APPROVED ASEPTIC SAMPLER FOR MILK TANK TRUCKS

   1. 1. A description of how the milk sample is to be collected, identified, handled, and stored.

      1. (a) The aseptic sampler fitting shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and in a manner that is compatible with its intended use.
      2. (b) The aseptic sampler septum shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
      3. (c) Transfer of milk is achieved using an SOP specific to the aseptic sampler.
      4. (d) An appropriate device, i.e., a syringe, shall be used to transfer the milk.
   2. 2. A description of how and when the aseptic sampler is to be cleaned and sanitized, if not of a single use design, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
   3. 3. A listing of the industry plant samplers who have been trained to maintain, operate, clean, and sanitize the aseptic sampler as well as to collect, identify, handle, and store the milk sample.

   A protocol specific to each milk plant in which industry plant samplers utilize an approved aseptic sampler shall be developed by the Health Officer in cooperation with the sampling equipment manufacturer, the milk plant, and the FDA. As a minimum, the protocol should include the following:

6. IV. REQUIREMENTS FOR USING AN APPROVED ASEPTIC SAMPLER FOR FARM BULK MILK TANKS AND/OR SILOS

   1. 1. A description of how the milk sample is to be collected, identified, handled, and stored.

      1. (a) The aseptic sampler fitting shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and in a manner that is compatible with its intended use and does not create a dead end.
      2. (b) The aseptic sampler septum shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
      3. (c) Transfer of milk is achieved using an SOP specific to the aseptic sampler.
   2. 2. A description of how and when the aseptic sampler is to be cleaned and sanitized, if not of a single use design, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
   3. 3. A listing of the milk producer, who transports milk only from his/her own dairy farm, and/or licensed bulk milk haulers or samplers who have been trained to maintain, operate, clean, and sanitize the aseptic sampling device as well as collect, identify, handle, and store the milk sample.

   A protocol specific to each milk producer in which the milk producer, who transports milk only from his/her own dairy farm, or bulk milk haulers or samplers utilize an approved aseptic sampler shall be developed by the Health Officer in cooperation with the sampling equipment manufacturer, the milk producer and the FDA. As a minimum, the protocol should include the following:

7. V. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAMPLING OF RAW SHEEP MILK THAT HAS BEEN FROZEN PRIOR TO BEING TESTED FOR APPENDIX N DRUG RESIDUE

   1. 1. Samples shall be taken by a bulk milk hauler or sampler that is permitted by the Health Officer in which the dairy farm is located.
   2. 2. The sampling protocol shall assure that representative samples are taken.
   3. 3. A storage protocol that assures that the raw sheep milk and samples are frozen within 24 hours of sample collection in accordance with the handling of the negative control as specified in the FDA/NCIMS 2400 Form for the test kit that is being used.
   4. 4. The collected raw sheep milk and samples are stored in a freezer(s) that is properly maintained and temperature monitored in accordance with the FDA/NCIMS 2400 Form General Requirements.
   5. 5. Samples delivered to the testing laboratory for testing within sixty (60) days of the freezing of the raw sheep milk.
   6. 6. An appropriate sample chain-of-custody shall be utilized to assure sample identification and handling.

   7. 7. Copies of the approved sampling protocol shall be on file with the Health Officer and shall be available at the dairy farm, receiving milk plant, and the laboratory performing the testing. If a copy of the sampling protocol is not available at the dairy farm, receiving milk plant, or laboratory performing the testing, a copy shall be made available within twenty-four (24) hours of being requested by the Health Officer.

      Note: If the sampling protocol has not been approved by the Health Officer; is not being followed; the sampling protocol has been modified without the Health Officer’s approval; or the dairy farm, receiving milk plant or laboratory performing the testing does not obtain a copy within twenty-four (24) hours of being requested by the Health Officer, it shall be considered an Appendix N violation for the dairy farm and/or receiving milk plant.

   Raw sheep milk samples that have previously been frozen may be tested for Appendix N drug residue provided that the sampling protocol shall be approved by the Health Officer in which the dairy farm is located. The sampling protocol shall address the following items:

8. VI. MILK TANK TRUCK PERMITTING AND INSPECTION

   1. 1. Samples and sampling equipment (when provided).

      1. (a) Sample containers shall be stored to preclude contamination.
      2. (b) The sample box shall be in good repair and kept clean.
      3. (c) Sample transfer instrument shall be cleaned and sanitized to ensure that proper samples are collected.
      4. (d) The sample transfer instrument container is provided and adequate means for maintaining sanitizer solutions is on hand.
      5. (e) The samples are properly stored to preclude contamination.
      6. (f) The sample storage compartment shall be clean.
      7. (g) Samples are maintained at an acceptable temperature 0°C-4.5°C (32°F-40°F) and a temperature control sample is provided.
      8. (h) An approved thermometer is available for use by the sampler. The accuracy of the thermometer is checked each six (6) months with the results and date recorded on the carrying case.

   2. 2. Product Temperature 7°C (45°F) or Less

      1. (a) The product temperature shall meet all the requirements of 420-3-16-.7, Items 18r-Raw Milk Cooling and 17p-Cooling of Milk and Milk Products.
      2. (b) Product that remains in external transfer systems that exceeds 7°C (45°F) is discarded. This includes pumps, hoses, air elimination equipment, or metering systems.

   3. 3. Equipment Construction, Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Repair: Items a. through l. on ADPH-FML-248B shall be evaluated according to the following criteria:

      1. (a) Construction and Repair Requirements.

         1. (1) The milk tank truck and all appurtenances shall meet applicable requirements of 420-3-16-.10(10), Item 10p-Sanitary Piping and 420-3-16-.10(11). Construction and Repair of Containers and Equipment. Equipment manufactured in conformity with 3-A Sanitary Standards, complies with sanitary design and construction requirements.
         2. (2) The interior of the milk tank trucks shall be constructed of smooth, non-absorbent, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic material; and it shall be maintained in good repair.
         3. (3) The appurtenances of the milk tank truck includes aseptic samples, if applicable, hoses, pumps, and fittings, shall be constructed of smooth, non-toxic cleanable material; and shall be maintained in good repair. Where flexibility is required, the fluid transfer system shall be free draining and so supported to maintain uniform slope and alignment. They shall be easily disassembled and accessible for inspection.
         4. (4) The cabinet portion(s) of the tank used for the storage of appurtenances and sampling equipment, where applicable, shall be constructed to preclude contamination by dust, dirt; be clean; and in good repair.
         5. (5) The milk tank truck dome lid assembly, vent, and dust cover shall be designed to protect the tank and milk from contamination.

      2. (b) Cleaning and Sanitizing Requirements

         1. 1. The milk tank truck and all of its appurtenances shall be cleaned and sanitized in accordance with applicable requirements of 420-3-16-.10(12), Item 12p-Cleaning and Sanitizing of Containers and Equipment.
         2. 2. The milk tank truck shall be cleaned and sanitized prior to its first use. When the time elapsed after cleaning and sanitizing, and before its first use, exceeds ninety-six (96) hours the tank shall be re-sanitized.
         3. 3. It is allowable to pickup multiple loads continuously within a twenty-four (24) hour period, provided the milk tank truck is washed after each day’s used.
         4. 4. Exterior Condition of Tank - The exterior of the milk tank truck is properly constructed and in good repair. Defects and damage that would adversely affect products contained in the milk tank truck are pointed out on ADPH-FML-248B and corrective actions are prescribed. Cleanliness of the milk tank truck exterior is evaluated with consideration for existing weather and environmental conditions.
         5. 5. Wash and Sanitize Record

      3. (a) The bulk milk hauler or sampler shall be responsible for assuring that the milk tank truck has been properly cleaned and sanitized at a permitted milk plant, receiving station, transfer station, or milk tank truck cleaning facility. A milk tank truck without proper cleaning and sanitizing documentation shall not be loaded or unloaded until the proper cleaning and sanitization can be verified.

         Note: The option to use non-IMS listed milk tank truck cleaning facilities, as cited in a. above, shall not be applicable to a TPC authorized under the ICP.

      4. (b) A cleaning and sanitizing tag shall be affixed to the outlet valve of the milk tank truck until the milk tank truck is next washed and sanitized. When the milk tank truck is washed and sanitized, the previous cleaning and sanitizing tag shall be removed and stored at the location where the milk tank truck was washed for a period of not less than fifteen (15) days.

      5. (c) The following information shall be recorded on the cleaning and sanitization tag:

         1. (1) Identification of the milk tank truck.
         2. (2) Date and time (optionally, in military time [24] hour clock) of day the milk tank truck was cleaned and sanitized.
         3. (3) Location where the milk tank truck was cleaned and sanitized.
         4. (4) Signature or initials of the person who cleaned and sanitized the milk tank truck.
      6. (d) The maintenance of all information on the cleaning and sanitizing tag shall be the responsibility of the bulk milk hauler or sampler or the milk tank truck operator.
      7. (e) States shall submit to the NCIMS Executive Secretary an updated list of all currently permitted non-IMS listed milk tank truck cleaning facilities. The list is to be submitted for publication on the NCIMS web site.

   4. 6. Location of Last Cleaning and Sanitizing

      The location of the last cleaning and sanitizing shall be verified by the Health Officer during any milk tank truck inspection and recorded on the ADPH-FML-248B.

   5. 7. Labeling - The maintenance of all pertinent information on all shipping documents, shipping invoices, bills of lading, or weight tickets is the responsibility of the bulk milk hauler/sampler. A milk tank truck transporting raw, heat-treated, or pasteurized milk, and milk products to a milk plant from another milk plant, receiving station, or transfer station is required to be marked with the name and address of the milk plant or hauler and the milk tank truck shall be under a proper seal. All shipping documents shall contain the following information as outlined in 420-3-16-.05:

      1. (a) Shipper’s name, address, and permit number - Each milk tank truck load of milk shall include the IMS BTU identification number(s) or the IMS listed milk plant number for farm groups listed with a milk plant on the farm weight ticket or manifest;
      2. (b) Permit identification of the hauler, if not an employee of the shipper.
      3. (c) Point of origin of shipment.
      4. (d) Milk tank truck identification number.
      5. (e) Name of product.
      6. (f) Weight of product.
      7. (g) Temperature of product when loaded.
      8. (h) Date of shipment.
      9. (i) Name of supervising regulatory agency at the point of origin of shipment.
      10. (j) Whether the contents are raw, pasteurized, or in the case of cream, lowfat or skim milk, whether it has been heat-treated.
      11. (k) Seal number on inlet, outlet, wash connections, and vents; and

      12. (l) Grade of product.

          All information contained on the above described documents shall be verified by the regulatory agency and recorded on the appropriate inspection sheet for any bulk milk tank trucks under inspection.

   6. 8. Vehicle and Milk Tank Truck Properly Identified - It shall be the responsibility of the milk tank truck owner or operator to ensure the proper and legible identification of the milk tank truck(s) in their possession.
   7. 9. Previous Inspection Sheet or Affixed Label Available - When a milk tank truck transports milk and milk products from one (1) regulatory jurisdiction to another it is not necessary to inspect each milk tank truck upon each arrival. Milk tank truck owners and operators shall carry proof of annual inspection from a recognized regulatory agency. A milk tank truck may be inspected at any time or at the discretion of any regulatory agency responsible for the milk supply.
   8. 10. Sample Chain-of-Custody - When samples for official laboratory analysis are transported by any individual where the sample chain-of-custody must be established, the driver may be required to carry a valid permit or shall be evaluated biennially for the collection of samples for official laboratory analysis. The criteria from Section I, Evaluation of Bulk Milk Hauler or Sampler Procedures, Item 7, Sampling Responsibilities of this appendix shall be used as the basis for the evaluation. As an alternative, a sample case sealed as required by the regulatory agency may be accepted.

   Milk tank trucks shall be evaluated annually using the requirements established in 420-3-16-.04 and 420-3-16-.06 using the ADPH-FML-248B.

   PERMITTING - Each milk tank truck shall bear a permit for the purpose of transporting milk and/or milk products (refer to 420-3-16-.04). The permit shall be issued to the owner of each milk tank truck by an authorized regulatory agency. The permit identification and regulatory agency issuing the permit shall be displayed on the milk tank truck. It is recommended that this permit be renewed each year pending satisfactory completion of an inspection as outlined in the following Inspection Section.

   RECIPROCITY - Each permit shall be recognized by other regulatory agencies under the reciprocal agreements of the NCIMS and supporting documents of this rule. A milk tank truck need only bear one (1) permit from an appropriate Regulatory agency. A milk tank truck may be inspected at any time when deemed appropriate by the Health Officer. Absent proof of a current permit and current inspection, when the milk tank truck is inspected by a Regulatory agency other than the permitting agency, an inspection fee may be charged to the owner of the milk tank truck. This is necessary to allow a milk tank truck to pickup and deliver in several jurisdictions without the need for more than one (1) permit. A Health Officer may have the option of inspecting any milk tank truck at any time when milk and milk products are transported in or out of a particular jurisdiction. It is the responsibility of the milk tank truck owner or operator to maintain a current proof of inspection to avoid a re-inspection fee. Disputes concerning reciprocal agreements on milk tank truck inspection between regulatory agencies may be tendered to the Chair of the NCIMS or the Chair’s designee for resolution.

   INSPECTION - Each milk tank truck shall be inspected at least once each year by a regulatory agency (refer to 420-3-16-.06). A copy of the current inspection report shall accompany the milk tank truck at all times, or the tank shall bear an affixed label, which identifies the regulatory agency with the month and year of inspection. The affixed label shall be located near the tank outlet valve or on the front left side of the milk tank truck bulkhead. When significant defects or violations are encountered by a regulatory agency, a copy of the report shall be forwarded to the permitting regulatory agency and also carried on the milk tank truck until the violations are corrected.

   Milk tank truck inspections shall be conducted in a suitable location, i.e., a dairy plant, receiving, or transfer station or milk tank truck cleaning facility. Inspections may not require entry of confined spaces as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. When significant cleaning, construction, or repair defects are noted, the milk tank truck shall be removed from service until proper confined entry safety requirements can be satisfied to determine cleaning or repairs needed. Cleaning or repairs may be verified by a qualified individual to the satisfaction of the Health Officer.

   Inspection reports completed by regulatory agencies other than the permitting agency shall be forwarded to the permitting agency for verification of inspection as required in the Permitting Section of this appendix. The permitting agency may use these reports to satisfy permit requirements.

   MILK TANK TRUCK STANDARDS - All items of ADPH-FML248B fall into the categories of “Compliance,” “Non-Compliance,” or “Not Applicable” as determined during the inspection.

   The following Items relate to ADPH-FML-248B:

Author: G. M. Gallaspy, Jr.

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-2-2, 22-20-7.

History: Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 18, 2018; effective December 2, 2018.