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On a monthly basis, all dairy farms in the province have milk
samples taken from their bulk tanks for milk quality testing.
These samples come to the Division's
Food Quality Laboratory where they are tested for:
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Antibiotics
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Freezing Point
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Somatic Cell Count
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Bacterial Count
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Milk components (butterfat, protein, lactose)
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Sediment
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These tests help assure that milk comes from healthy cows, that are
not under antibiotic treatment, is transported through a clean, dry
milking system and properly refrigerated to avoid bacterial growth.
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Standards used for evaluating milk quality are those established nationally
by the National Liaison Group on Milk Products Quality. Testing systems and
controls are evaluated by the Canadian Laboratory Services' Laboratory Accreditation
Program to assure that results accurately reflect the composition of the milk.
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Sampling is done by inspectors of the Department of Government Services and
Lands under the authority of the Food and Drugs Act (Food Premises Regulations 
(pdf - 541 kb)).
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For more information contact the
Director of Animal Health Division
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