Ohio Admin. Code 901:11-4-08 - Sampling

(A) Each weigher, sampler, or tester shall collect a sample from each farm bulk milk tank prior to transferring the milk. The sample shall be collected in the following manner:

(1) Pickup and handling practices shall be conducted to prevent contamination of milk contact surfaces and the empty sample containers must be stored to prevent contamination;

(2) The milk shall be agitated a sufficient time to obtain a homogeneous blend by agitating milk for at least five minutes or for the time recommended by the farm bulk milk tank's manufacturer. To ensure adequate agitation time, the weigher, sampler, or tester must have a watch;

(3) Monthly the weigher, sampler or tester shall check the accuracy of the farm bulk milk tank indicating and when applicable recording thermometer(s), on each bulk tank. The weigher, sampler or tester shall record the results, the date and the name of the individual that preformed the accuracy check on the weight record maintained at the farm. The weigher, sampler or tester's thermometer must be certified for accuracy every six months and be accurate within two degrees Fahrenheit (one degree Celsius) with the results and date recorded on the carrying case. The thermometer must be available for use by the weigher, sampler, or tester and sanitized prior to use;

(4) After the milk has been properly agitated, a sample shall be taken. Remove dipper or sampling device from sanitizing solution or sterile container and rinse at least twice in the milk. The applicable sanitizer test kit must be available to ensure proper sanitizer strength;

(5) Collect a separate sample from each farm bulk milk tank. When transferring milk from the sampling dipper hold the sample container away from the tank and not over the surface of the milk. Fill sampling container not more than three-fourths full after closing and not expel air from the container if a plastic bag is used;

(6) The sample dipper shall be rinsed free of milk and placed in its carrying container;

(7) Immediately close the cover or lid of the farm bulk milk tank after sampling;

(8) The weigher, sampler, or tester shall, at the of point collection, label each sample with the date, time and producer identification acceptable to the director;

(9) A temperature control sample shall also be taken at the first stop of each load. This sample must be labeled with date, time, temperature, producer identification and weigher, sampler identification; and

(10) Place the samples immediately into the sample storage case. The sample case and the storage of samples shall meeting the following criteria:

(a) The sample case shall be insulated, in good repair, clean and constructed of rigid metal, plastic or waterproof material for safe transportation of samples to the laboratory;

(b) The sample case shall have ample space to hold samples, as well as a refrigerant;

(c) Samples shall to be cooled and maintained at a temperature of forty degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or less but not cooler than thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius); and

(d) Samples shall be stored in an upright position and the level of the refrigerant slightly above the level of the milk in the sample container. The neck of the sample container shall be kept above the refrigerant to prevent possible contamination of the sample; or

(e) The samples can be placed in a refrigerator that cools and maintains the samples at a temperature of forty degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or less but not cooler than thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius).

(B) If the milk hauler or weigher, sampler, or tester determines that the condition of the milk is unacceptable, he shall leave the milk in the bulk milk tank and immediately bring the situation to the attention of the producer and the marketing organization. A milk sample still must be taken and the reason for rejection shall be noted on the weight ticket. Under no circumstances shall a sample collector cease sample collection because of the condition of the milk.

(C) Each hauler, weigher, sampler or tester when collecting or testing milk from a producer who direct loads a bulk milk transport tank truck, shall complete their respective responsibilities as specified in the in-line sampler standard operating procedures (SOP's) established for the device and for that producer facility.

(D)(A) Each weigher, sampler, or tester shall collect a sample of milk shipped in cans at the first point of receipt. The sample shall be collected in the following manner:

(1) The milk must be agitated a sufficient time to obtain a homogeneous blend;

(2) Use a sanitized thermometer to check the temperature of the milk and record the result on the sampling form;

(3) Hold the sampling container away from the can or tank opening while filling;

(4) Fill the sample container not more than three-fourths full after closing and not expel air from the container if a plastic bag is used;

(5) Collect a sample immediately after each producer's cans are emptied into a weigh tank. If the weigh tank is not large enough for the producer's total volume of milk, collect proportionate amounts of milk from each filling into a single sample container;

(6) Collect a temperature control sample. When the milk from more than one producer is being sampled a temperature control sample is required for only the first producer's milk sampled; and

(7) Place the samples immediately into the sample storage case. The sample case and the storage of samples shall meet the following criteria:

(a) The sample case shall be insulated and constructed of rigid metal, plastic or waterproof material for safe transportation of samples to the laboratory;

(b) The sample case shall have ample space to hold samples, as well as a refrigerant;

(c) Samples shall to be cooled and maintained at a temperature of forty degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or less but not cooler than thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius); and

(d) Samples shall be stored in an upright position and the level of the refrigerant slightly above the level of the milk in the sample container. The neck of the sample container shall be kept above the refrigerant to prevent possible contamination of the sample; or

(e) The samples can be placed in a refrigerator that cools and maintains the samples at a temperature of forty degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or less but not cooler than thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius).

(E)(B) When a sample is taken directly from the producers milk cans, the weigher, sampler, or tester shall collect a proportionate amount of milk from each can and transfer the milk into a single sample container. The sample shall be collected in accordance with paragraph (A) of this rule.

(F) 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 weigher/sampler or tester license or shall be evaluated biennially for the collection of samples for official laboratory analysis. The samples and sample case must comply with paragraph (D)(7) of this rule. As an alternative, a sample case sealed as required by the director may be accepted.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 901:11-4-08

Effective: 1/18/2024
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 11/3/2023 and 01/18/2029
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 917.02
Rule Amplifies: 917.02
Prior Effective Dates: 11/18/2002, 06/06/2005, 05/15/2007