What does OMAFRA's Raw
Goat Milk Quality Program cover?

OMAFRA's Raw Goat Milk Quality Program is responsible for administering inspection services and raw goat milk testing as prescribed in regulations under Ontario's Milk Act. Following is a brief overview of what the program covers.

Since July 2003 two full-time Raw Milk Specialists, Mike Foran and Phillip Wilman, have been conducting a range of inspection work required by the program including on-farm inspections, evaluations of Bulk Tank Milk Grader performance and inspections of bulk tank trucks. These inspections are conducted under the authority of Regulation 761 of the Milk Act (Ontario) to evaluate, in detail, all aspects of milk handling which could influence the raw milk quality and safety.

Routine on-farm inspections are conducted annually on the approximately 170 dairy goat farms in the province. Additional inspections are conducted if premises are non-compliant with regulations, or if raw milk test results indicate problems with milk quality.

Bulk tank samples are collected by certified Bulk Tank Milk Graders (BTMGs) at each farm pickup of milk. These milk samples are refrigerated and transported to Lab Services Division, University of Guelph for random monthly regulatory testing. Milk quality test results are reported to OMAF, who in turn, reports results to producers as soon as possible.

The duties and responsibilities of the BTMG are outlined in regulations under the Milk Act (Ontario). Before becoming certified, BTMGs must attend a three day Bulk Tank Milk Grader's course and pass both a written and a practical milk grading examination. BTMG certificates are renewed by OMAF every five years upon successful completion of an evaluation of their performance. Raw Milk Specialists periodically accompany BTMG's on truck rides to review how they are carrying out their responsibilities and to ensure that proper procedures are being followed concerning milk and sample handling.

The bulk tank trucks that are used to collect milk at the farm and transport it to licensed processing facilities are also routinely inspected as part of the Raw Goat Milk Quality program. Milk trucks are inspected for cleanliness and sanitary design as outlined in regulations under the Milk Act (Ontario).