The Dairy Farmers of Prince Edward Island (DFPEI) has established Order 2023-03, which is effective August 1, 2023, under the Natural Products Marketing Act. This order sets forth quality standards for milk production on dairy farms in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and aims to ensure the safety and quality of raw milk produced and sold within the province.

The order specifies the quality standards that must be met by all milk produced on dairy farms in PEI, regulating its quality and safety before it reaches consumers. It also provides clear definitions for key terms, including “bulk milk grader,” which refers to a licensed individual responsible for inspecting and grading milk; “raw milk,” defined as milk that has not been heated beyond 40°C; and “prohibited milk,” which cannot be sold due to contamination or animal welfare issues.

To maintain these standards, all raw milk produced in PEI is subject to rigorous sampling, inspection, grading, and testing. Detailed procedures for these processes are outlined in the DFPEI Raw Milk Sampling, Inspection, Grading, and Testing Order. Additionally, milk offered for sale must meet the specified quality standards, and non-compliance can lead to penalties as detailed in the DFPEI Violations and Penalties Order.

The order identifies specific criteria that categorize milk as prohibited, including milk from cows within 15 days before or 3 days after calving, or longer if colostrum is present, as well as milk containing foreign substances such as inhibitors or drugs. It also prohibits milk from farms where animal welfare standards are not met, as determined by appointed inspectors.

Bulk milk graders are responsible for sampling and inspecting milk based on sensory attributes like flavor, appearance, and odor. They have the authority to reject milk that fails to meet the established standards. Conditions under which milk can be rejected include being categorized as prohibited, not being properly sampled, not stored within the prescribed temperature range of 0 to 4 degrees Celsius, or displaying abnormalities in odor or flavor, or containing foreign particles.

The order stipulates that milk must be stored at temperatures not exceeding 4 degrees Celsius to maintain quality, with specific provisions for cooling immediately after milking. Quality testing parameters are also defined, including that the bacterial count must not exceed 121,000 bacteria per ml and the somatic cell count (SCC) must not exceed 400,000 cells per ml. Additionally, added water detection is based on freezing point analysis, with limits set at -0.525 degrees Hortvet.

The DFPEI Order 2023-03 establishes comprehensive standards for the production and sale of raw milk in Prince Edward Island, emphasizing safety, quality, and animal welfare. The intention is through implementing strict guidelines and inspection processes, the order aims to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of the dairy industry in the province, thereby enhancing public trust in local dairy products.

Prince Edward Island (EC2024-752) August 10, 2023