There are many raw milk controls on farms. Producers are required to comply with strict rules on storage temperature, hygiene, bacteria levels, etc. The results of quality analyses that exceed the standards in force result in penalties and may lead to the rejection of the milk.
Before collecting the milk from the cooling tank, transporters check its temperature, appearance and odour. They take a sample that will be used for quality control analyses. Another milk sample is taken to analyze its protein, lactose, mineral and fat content.
Each load is also tested before it is unloaded at the plant. If traces of antibiotics are detected, the milk is destroyed. Producers sometimes have to use antibiotics, but only when prescribed by a veterinarian. Milk from cows that have been administered an antibiotic is then thrown out.
Milk samples are also tested to make sure that they meet the standards for bacteria, somatic cells and sediments. Finally, the milk must not contain any trace of adulteration by water or antiseptics.
Hormones and antibiotics
Hormones that stimulate dairy production, such as bovine somatotrophine, are allowed in the United States, but not in Canada.
Health Canada has actually refused to approve it for use in Canada based on the recommendations of a veterinary scientific committee. The committee considered the use of somatotrophine to be hazardous to the health of the animals.
Québec milk producers were also some of the first to speak out against its approval in the 90s.
Milk sold to consumers must be free of antibiotics. Producers sometimes have to use antibiotics, but only when prescribed by a veterinarian. The milk of treated cows is then thrown out.
In order to ensure that there is no trace of medication in the milk, samples are taken at farms for quality control analyses. In addition, each load is tested before it is unloaded at the plant. If traces of antibiotics are detected, the milk is destroyed.
Traceability
Cattle are systematically identified starting at birth in order to ensure the biosafety of the beef that is consumed by Quebecers. A cow’s origin can always be traced through its tag and the electronic chip placed in its ears.
A full and effective traceability system can rapidly trace cattle relocations from site to site, which is important when there is a serious illness, for example. It also helps rapidly identify the sites affected, prevent the spread of disease to other sites and quickly contain illnesses and health problems.
Discover the finalist of the Lait’xcellent Award
The Lait’xcellent rewards dairy farms that achieve the best quality results in each region of the province.