Section 785.340  Milkhouse or Milkroom

a)         A milkhouse or milkroom conveniently located and properly constructed, lighted, and ventilated shall be provided for handling and cooling milk and for washing, handling, and storing the utensils and equipment.  Other products shall not be handled in the milkroom which would be likely to contaminate milk, or otherwise create a public health hazard (such as gasoline, pesticides, liquid chemicals).

b)         It shall be equipped with wash and rinse vat, utensil rack, milk cooling facilities and have an adequate supply of hot water available for cleaning milking equipment.  If a part of the barn or other building, it shall be partitioned and sealed to prevent the entrance of dust, flies, or other contamination.  Concentrates and feed, if stored in the building, shall be kept in a tightly covered box or bin.  The floor of the building shall be of concrete or other clean/washable material and graded to provide drainage.  The walls and ceilings shall be constructed of smooth easily cleaned material.  All outside doors shall open outward and be self-closing, unless they are provided with tight-fitting screens doors that open outward or unless other means are provided to prevent the entrance of flies.

c)         The farm bulk tank shall be located in the milkhouse or milkroom with access to all areas for cleaning and servicing.  It shall not be located over a floor drain or under a ventilator.  Lighting fixtures shall not be located directly over bulk tank openings.

d)         A small platform or slab constructed of concrete or other clean/washable material shall be provided outside the milkhouse, properly centered under a hose port opening in the wall for milkhouse connections. The opening shall be fitted with a tight, self-closing door.  The truck approach to the milkhouse or milkroom shall be properly graded and surfaced to prevent mud or pooling of water at point of loading.

e)         The milkhouse or milkroom and appurtenances shall be kept clean and free of trash, animals, and fowl.  Pesticides shall not be stored in this room and when used shall be used in accordance with label instructions so as to prevent contamination of the milk.