We’re here to connect you to information from the regulators in the food industry
The world is ever changing and as things change, so do the guidances for keeping the food and goods supply safe for consumers. On this page we hope to bring you up to date links to some of the places to get started.
Pennsylvania Regulations
Pennsylvania is home to some of the most dense regions of farms and processing plants of all the states surrounding. So in keeping that in mind we are always hoping to keep those in the industry connected to the regulatory updates that we know are upcoming and any information that may be more frequently asked about.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.
For more information click HERE
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The information for the Pennsylvania Code included at their website has been derived directly from the Pennsylvania Code, the Commonwealth's official publication of rules and regulations.
For more information click HERE.
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Today, the MMB is an independent administrative agency designated to create stability in the marketing of milk by giving dairy farmers a fair and equal opportunity to market their milk.
For more information click HERE.
Recent Updates:
As of 6/7/23 there have been updates to the PDA staff contact map for sampler certifications
Click the image for a direct download of the map. Visit the PDA website here for more info.
PDA Shelf Life Testing Update
As of 6/15/23, the PDA has an update for the industry following some shelf life questions at the 2023 Conference.
During the Lab breakout session, the group was discussion the necessary steps for testing extended shelf life based on product sales volume. The current standard allows for production facilities to get even just one product or even one size of one product to have an extended shelf life date. For reference, click here to see the full testing requirements for shelf life testing.
Because of that, a few plants asked what the testing frequency would be if the product with the extended shelf life is not your highest volume product or vice versa. So the update from the PDA is as follows:
A facility current has:
An approved extended run for whole milk products only
The rest of their milk products line maintains the 17-day code date (or less). The 2% product is their highest volume product and has the 17 day code date.
To comply with the regulations the facility would need to test:
The whole milk every 6 months
The 2% (or the highest volume product with the 17-day code date or less) once a year
So, this would require 2 products being sampled for shelf life.
We hope that this clarification was helpful! If there are any other questions on the topic please reach out to your local milk inspector or the milk specialist directly.