The tests and methods given in this section are based mainly on those for milk and dairy products stipulated in European and UK legislation. EC Directive 92/46/EEC [1] lays down health rules for the production and placing on the market of raw milk, heat treated milk and milk-based products | 7 Milk and dairy products Pasteurized milk Untreated milk Ultra heat treated milk and sterilized milk Dairy products The tests and methods given in this section are based mainly on those for milk and dairy products stipulated in European and UK legislation. EC Directive 92 46 EEC 1 lays down health rules for the production and placing on the market of raw milk heat treated milk and milk-based products. This Directive was incorporated into UK law as the Dairy Products Hygiene Regulations 1995 2 Code of Practice number 18 of the Food Safety Act 1990 3 and associated Guidance Notes 4 . The Regulations and Guidance Notes contain microbiological standards and guidelines for products sampled at any point in a production holding or heat treatment establishment. The methods to be used for examination of liquid milk are described in Commission Decision 91 180 EEC 5 . Methods for other dairy products are specified in the UK Regulations. All methods specified are recognized internationally the legislation also states that any other internationally recognized method that gives equivalent results may be used. The regulations apply to milk and milk products of any animal origin cow goat sheep buffalo . Pasteurized milk The Dairy Products Hygiene Regulations 1995 2 specify tests for coliforms pre-incubated plate count phosphatase and peroxidase for pasteurized milk. In addition the regulations require the absence of pathogens in 25 mL of product but do not specify which organisms should be investigated. However Commission Decision 91 180 EEC 5 states that if the other tests are satisfactory a specific test for pathogens is only necessary if the milk is thought to be associated with an outbreak of food poisoning. Sampling Conditions for sampling transport and storage of samples can be found in Commission Decision 91 180 EEC 5 . Sample units of pasteurized milk in complete sealed packages should be taken from the packaging machine or cold room as soon as .
