Sec. 2.49. Cooling of milk—Item 17p

(a) All raw milk and milk products are maintained at 45°F (7°C) or less until processed.

(b) All pasteurized milk and milk products, except those to be cultured, are cooled immediately in approved equipment prior to filling and packaging to a temperature of 45°F (7°C) or less. All pasteurized milk and milk products shall be stored at a temperature of 45°F (7°C) or less.

(c) Each freezer and cold storage compartment used to store and hold food capable of supporting growth of microorganisms must be fitted with an indicating thermometer, temperature-measuring device, or temperature-recording device that complies with the applicable specifications of Appendix 3 of this Title and shall be installed as to show the temperature accurately within the compartment. Such thermometer shall be located in the warmest zone of the freezer and cold storage compartment. Each storage tank shall be equipped with an indicating thermometer, the sensor of which shall be located to permit the registering of the temperature of the contents when the tank contains no more than 20 percent of its calibrated capacity. Such thermometer shall comply with the applicable specifications of Appendix 3 of this Title and shall be installed as to show the temperature accurately within the compartment.

(d) All surface coolers comply with the following specifications:

(1) The sections of open-surface coolers shall be so installed as to leave a gap of at least 0.25 inch between the header sections to permit easy cleaning.

(2) Where header ends are not completely enclosed within the cooler covers, condensation or leakage from the headers shall be prevented from entering the milk or milk products by so shaping the exposed header faces, above and below all gaps, that condensation is directed away from the tubes, and by using deflectors at the bottom of the headers, or by shortening the bottom through, or by some other approved method.

(3) The location of supports of cooler sections shall prevent drip from entering the milk or milk products.

(4) All open-surface coolers shall be provided with tight-fitting shields which protect the milk and milk products from contamination by flies, dust, drip, splash or manual contact.

(e) Recirculated cold water which is used in coolers and exchangers, including those systems in which a freezing point depressant is used, is from a safe source and protected from contamination. Such water shall be tested semiannually and shall comply with the bacteriological standards. Recirculated water systems which become contaminated through repair work or otherwise shall be properly treated and tested before being returned to use. Freezing point depressants, when used in recirculating systems, shall be nontoxic.