California Code of Regulations
Title 3 - Food and Agriculture
Division 2 - Animal Industry
Chapter 1 - Dairies
Article 17 - Condemnation of Milk Products
Section 576 - Prevention of Drug Residues

Universal Citation: 3 CA Code of Regs 576

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

Each dairy farm producing milk shall have a procedure to prevent drug residues in milk to be used for human consumption.

(a) Where dairy animals are treated with drugs capable of being secreted into milk and which require a period during which milk is to be withheld from human consumption, this procedure shall include all of the following:

(1) The identification of each treated animal in a manner that will be permanent during the drug withdrawal period and will be recognizable to all persons concerned with the milking of such animals;

(2) Keeping a record of each animal treated and showing the date, kind, and amount of drug used for each animal;

(3) Listing the time period for withholding of milk following a drug treatment, as stated on the label for the drug used, or as recommended by a licensed veterinarian;

(4) Milking treated animals last or with separate equipment; and

(5) Excluding such milk from consumption in accordance with label directions for the drug administered, or in accordance with instructions of a licensed veterinarian treating the animals, and recording the disposition of milk from treated animals.

(b) When the residue of any drug is found in the milk from a dairy farm, the milk inspection service shall immediately suspend the dairy farm from further selling, offering for sale, or giving away any milk for human consumption until:

(1) A review of the farm's procedures is made by the inspection service and found to be in substantial compliance with the requirements of subparagraph (a);

(2) The dairy has provided for and does isolate treated animals from untreated animals and milks them as a separate group following the milking of untreated animals, or initiates other precautionary measures of equal effectiveness as approved by the Director;

(3) Any milk produced by the dairy containing milk from treated animals, which is required to be excluded from human consumption and which has not been excluded has been condemned; and

(4) Each lot offered for sale following suspension shall be tested for drug residue. The suspension shall remain in effect until these tests reveal the milk to be negative to drug residues.

(c) If at any time a dairy farm is found not to be following the procedures under subparagraph (a), of this section, it shall be suspended until such requirements are met. However, no dairy farm shall be suspended for such violations if, after written notice by a qualified inspector, evidence is provided within 72 hours of the issuance of the notice that the violation is corrected or will be in substantial compliance. A copy of each notice issued under the provisions of this section shall also be given or mailed to the processor, or distributor of the milk or cream.

(d) Processors and distributors who perform independent tests for drug residues in milk and cream shall make records of such tests available to the Director upon request.

1. New section filed 10-24-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 43).
2. Amendment filed 3-12-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 11).

Note: Authority cited: Section 407, Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Sections 32731, 32761, 32765 and 32906, Food and Agricultural Code.

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