1. (a) Requirements for bulk milk hauler/sampler certifications.

   1. (1) Each hauler shall complete a comprehensive training program provided by the department, which shall include a course teaching specific procedures necessary to properly handle milk from the dairy farm to the plant, receiving station, or transfer station. This program shall further include practical field training sufficient to develop a proficient working knowledge of proper bulk milk handling procedures.
   2. (2) After training has been completed, each hauler shall pass a qualifying examination administered by the department. The examination shall consist of a written test, oral test, and a practical test, which includes correct sampling procedures. A passing grade requirement on these examinations shall be a combined score of 90 on a 100 top score basis.

   3. (3) An industry sponsored training program may be used in lieu of this program, provided that:

      1. (A) such training program meets or exceeds the minimum standards and requirements set forth in these regulations;
      2. (B) the program is acceptable to the department; and
      3. (C) the qualifying examination is administered by the department.
   4. (4) All official milk samplers, including bulk milk haulers shall be evaluated biannually by the department.
   5. (5) Bulk milk haulers/samplers successfully qualifying by examination will be certified by the department to perform milk hauler/sampler duties. Only those milk haulers/samplers having certification will be allowed to remove milk from a farm bulk milk tank and collect milk samples for laboratory examination.
   6. (6) The department may issue temporary hauler/sampler certifications in emergency situations without the prescribed examinations and training program, provided acceptable certification of competence is made. A temporary permit is only valid for 30 days.

   7. (7) The department may suspend a hauler/sampler certification when, upon investigation, the department finds a violation of any one of the following:

      1. (A) this subchapter; or
      2. (B) section 217.2 of this title (relating to Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance).

2. (b) Procedure and Handling Requirements.

   1. (1) Each bulk milk pickup tanker shall be supplied with sanitized sample bottles or bags, other sampling equipment, and supplies necessary to clean and sanitize multi-use equipment used in sampling and pickup operations.

   2. (2) All bulk milk haulers, operating bulk milk pickup tankers, shall make available to the department upon request, a current list of producers for each route pickup load with the following information:

      1. (A) the producer name and number in the order of milk pickup;
      2. (B) the time of arrival at each dairy;
      3. (C) the time of arrival at the unloading station; and
      4. (D) the name and address of the unloading station.

Source Note:The provisions of this §217.81 adopted to be effective February 3, 2000, 25 TexReg 582.