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23
Heat treated milk must also satisfy the methylene blue
test which discloses whether or not the milk is of satisfactory
keeping quality.
Of the sixty-nine samples examined by the phosphatase
test, sixty-eight passed and only one failed. Sixty-five passed
the methylene blue test, whilst four failed.
Two methods of pasteurisation are now allowed:—
(1) To retain the milk at a temperature of not less than 145° F.
and not more than 150° F. for at least 30 minutes and
immediately cooled to a temperature not exceeding 55° F.,
or
(2) To retain the milk at a temperature of not less than
162° F. for at least 15 seconds and immediately cooled
to a temperature of not more than 55° F.
The trouble experienced in the two previous years was
not repeated and only a few complaints were received. These
related to stained or dirty bottles, alleged poor quality,
portions of glass in bottles. Each case was carefully investigated
and in some the complaints proved to be unfounded.
What sometimes appeared dirt in bottles proved to be irremovable
stains, but after passage through the bottle washing
machine they are sterilized sufficiently to render them free
from harmful bacteria.
I have witnessed a number of instances where milk bottles
have been returned to the dairy in a disgusting condition,
obviously having been used for purposes completely foreign
for which they were made. If bottles become stained or
discoloured this has obviously been done when away from
dairy control and if reasonable care was always taken by
consumers there would be no dirty bottles, certainly not in
the interiors.
This does not, of course, excuse the dairyman for not
detecting and eliminating such bottles from circulation, but
with all possible care the human element allows for an occasional
stained or dirty bottle to escape observation.