OAKDALE, Minn. — Recent publication of FDA memo IMS-a-46 Actions of the 2007 National Conference on Interstate Milk Shippers (NCIMS), authorizes use of the QMI Aseptic Sampling System for sampling milk tanker trucks.
Bob Gilchrist, fluid milk marketing and transportation manager of Agri-Mark supports this innovative method of sampling. Agri-Mark, Lawrence, Mass., is a producer of milk and uses the QMI method.
“We have found the QMI Aseptic Sampling method to be a safe, convenient, accurate and economical method of sampling milk tanker trucks” Gilchrist said. “The QMI system is exactly what this industry needs to sample without having to open the top hatch of the milk tanker.”
The QMI method of sampling from the side or rear of a locked compartment on a milk tanker truck has several advantages. First, the QMI method allows for a more accurate and representative sample. The sample also is collected aseptically, meaning it reduces the chance of contamination of the milk by bacterial, chemical or environmental contaminants, QMI said.
Second, it helps with receiving bay efficiency by allowing samples to be taken before trucks enter the receiving bay. This benefit is a particular advantage to milk processors facing a continual issue of congestion and delay in milk unloading.
Third, this method helps the industry comply with the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act by controlling access to the milk load.
Finally, it improves sampling safety by allowing samples to be taken from the ground, meaning drivers and milk plant employees are no longer required to climb to the top of the milk tanker truck to collect samples.
“This application of the QMI Aseptic Sampling method provides a significant benefit to the dairy industry,” said Darrell Bigalke, QMI president. “For the first time dairy processors and milk haulers will be able to collect clean, representative samples of their milk load, and do it efficiently and safely.”
An FDA-guided study was conducted comparing the QMI method of sampling to the currently approved method of dip sampling. FDA found that the data collected by the two methods were not statistically different and determined that the QMI Aseptic Sampling method is an equivalent and reasonable alternative to dip sampling.