Matrix of tests, controls ensure safety on farms

A spokeswoman told Dairy News that on farm controls and systems minimise the opportunity for contamination of milk. Their effectiveness can and is confirmed by, for example, testing of milk and audits of farms.

The recent threats to contaminate infant formula with 1080 have put part of the focus on the safety of raw milk in vats.

MPI points out it is a serious criminal offence to contaminate or adulterate raw milk and any such event would be investigated by the dairy company, MPI and police. 

MPI is urging farmers to play their part in preventing contamination of milk.

Farmers should be familiar with NZCP1: Code of Practice for the Design and Operation of Farm Dairies, available on the MPI website. This details preventative measures that help protect dairy equipment and raw milk from contamination.

The spokeswoman says it is important that chemicals are kept secure and away from the farm dairy, and that records are kept of what has been bought and used.

“If farmers see suspicious behaviour on their farm or a neighbour’s farm they should contact their dairy company or police immediately.”

Dairy companies test milk at collection points on each farm; samples are subject to various tests to confirm the quality of the milk.

She says in addition the milk in the tanker is tested for certain chemical residues prior to the milk being unloaded. “If the tanker is found to have residues in excess of maximum allowable residue limits the milk is discarded; this testing by the dairy company is mandated by MPI.”

MPI runs separate testing – the National Chemical Contaminants Programme (NCCP) – over and above dairy company testing. Independent of dairy company sampling and testing, it randomly samples milk in farm vats across the country and over a full year. 

The samples are tested for at least 500 chemical residues, contaminants and compositional parameters. This helps MPI determine the effectiveness of controls of agricultural chemicals, veterinary medicines and farming practices. 

“The NCCP also helps MPI understand what issues may be emerging through changes in farming and feeding practices. The programme has been proven highly effective. The NCCP has also stood up to international scrutiny, with numerous audits by other countries.”