Glossary

Performance-based farm inspections – an alternative to the traditional routine inspection interval of at least once each six months. Dairy farms are categorized at least quarterly into an inspection interval of 12, 6, 4, or 3 months based on that farm’s inspection and milk quality performance in the preceding twelve months.

Pasteurization – the only practical, commercial measure, which if properly applied to all milk, will destroy all milk borne disease organisms. Pasteurization is defined as the process of heating every particle of milk or milk products to the minimum required temperature (for that specific milk or milk product), and holding it continuously for the minimum required time in equipment that is properly designed and operated.

Raw milk – milk that has not been subjected to legal pasteurization.

Single-service dairy containers – any container having a milk or milk product contact surface and used in the packaging, handling or storage of Grade “A” milk and milk products which is intended for one (1) use only. These can include containers, closures, caps, lids and films made from paper, plastic, metals, or other materials that are used in the packaging of milk and milk products.

Interstate Milk Shippers Agreement – a cooperative federal, state and industry program for the uniform regulation of Grade A milk in the United States. It is a nationwide program that provides for uniform milk sanitary standards to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of milk and milk products for all consumers.