Canadian Quality Milk On-Farm Food Safety Program - Centre ...

Canadian Quality Milk
7.1.5 Wash System Evaluation and Maintenance
Milking systems are washed automatically after every milking in many installations,
manually in some. As with every automatic system, problems can occur. An important
part of a good on-farm food safety program is the annual evaluation and maintenance of
the wash system by an equipment dealer or industry professional to prevent problems
from occurring. Producers who manually wash their systems do not have to have an
annual wash system evaluation conducted; however, they must write their equipment
cleaning procedures in their post-milking SOP and they must write their bulk tank
cleaning procedures in their pre-milking SOP.
The basis of the wash system evaluation is a CIP analysis (e.g. time, temperature,
slugging action and chemical concentrations). The wash system evaluation should
include all milk contact surfaces (e.g. milking equipment and bulk tank). A sample form
is in the Workbook (Record 14b).
The annual wash system evaluation must include the following parameters:
Test water characteristics. The amount of detergent used
depends on water characteristics. These characteristics such
as hardness and iron content can vary and should be tested
regularly.
Ensure adequate circulation time. Cleaning time is critical
for the detergents to complete the cleaning functions.
Test water temperature and compare with the detergent
manufacturer requirements and/or the farm’s Cleaning
Some farms have very
hard water, which means
that the wash systems
require larger volumes of
detergent. Producers can
install water softeners to
help reduce the amount of
detergent needed.
and Sanitizing Chart (Record 14). Adequate water temperature is essential for an
effective wash cycle.
Regularly check slugging action. Water slugs are necessary to ensure proper
cleaning of the milkline. A testing protocol allows the milking machine technician to
adjust the air injector to obtain proper water flow conditions.
Check automatic detergent dispenser for the correct amount and dispersal of
chemicals regularly. Systems can be plugged and fail to dispense; therefore, they
should be tested to ensure proper chemical concentration in the wash system.
Include washing of all milk contact surfaces.
After completing an annual wash system analysis, equipment dealers or industry
professionals may identify issues with a washing system or opportunities for
improvement. Some equipment dealers may check more than the CQM requirements,
but producers have to correct CQM-related issues (e.g. time, temperature, slugging
action and concentration).
If a new wash or equipment system is installed or a major change is made in the current
system, it is recommended to have another wash system analysis performed by an
equipment dealer or industry professional to ensure the new or revised system washes
effectively.
June 2010 7—9