Regulation - Other

Proposed amendments to R.R.O. Reg.761, Milk and Milk Products under the Milk Act concerning the somatic cell standard for raw cow milk.

Regulation Number(s):
R.R.O. Regulation 761
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Other
Bill or Act:
Milk Act
Summary of Decision:
The amendment to Regulation 761 (Milk and Milk Products) under the Milk Act reduces the maximum permissible somatic cell count for raw milk as prescribed in the regulation; specifically from 500,000 somatic cells/millilitre (ml) of raw milk to 400,000 cells/ml. Producers failing to meet the requirements may be subject to penalties as outlined in the regulation. The amendment to Regulation 761 was approved by the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission on January 25, 2012. The amendments were filed with the Registrar of Regulations on March 15, 2012.
Further Information:
Click to open Milk Act
Click to open Ontario regulation 761
Click to open Regulation 761
Click to open Milk Act
Proposal Number:
11-AFRA012
Posting Date:
December 5, 2011
Summary of Proposal:
A proposed amendment to R.R.O. Regulation 761 under the Milk Act will reduce the existing somatic cell count (SCC) standard for cow milk. The SCC standard will be lowered to a maximum of 400,000 cells per ml from a maximum 500,000 cells per ml. It is proposed that the new SCC standard become effective on August 1, 2012. All existing requirements and provisions pertaining to the maximum 500,000 cell count standard would apply to the new standard.
Dairy marketing boards across Canada agreed to adopt a common SCC standard for the cow dairy industry. The proposed maximum of 400,000 cells per ml has been adopted by other jurisdictions such as the European Union.
Contact Address:
John Fitzgerald
Marketing Analyst
Farm Products Marketing Commission
1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
Phone: 519 826-3222
Fax: 519 826-3400
Effective Date:
August 1, 2012
Decision:
Approved

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