Determination of Sediments in Milk

Health Protection Branch - Ottawa

Official Method MFO-8
November 30, 1981

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1. Application

This method is applicable to the determination of sediment in milk in accordance with Section B.08.024 of the Food and Drug Regulation.

2. Principle

The principle of the method is the filtering of a definite quantity of milk through a standard filter disc with the aid of a standard type pump (the tester), together with determining the character and amount of residue retained on the filter disc. The "off-the-bottom" method is designed for sampling milk from individual farmers' milk cans, as distinct from "bulk" milk tanks. (Note 1)

3. Equipment

3.1 Standard "off-the-bottom" tester: single unit type for intake of 16 fl oz (450 ml) on the upstroke of the piston (plunger) and discharge through the filter disc on the downstroke.

3.2 Standard lintine filter discs having a diameter of l l/8 inches (2.86 cm).

3.3 Photographs of discs containing standard amounts of sediment expressed in milligrams per 16 fl oz. (450 ml.)

or

Standard discs prepared as defined in A.P.H.A. Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, 11th ed., 257-260 (1960), American Public Health Association.

4. Procedure

Insert filter disc into clean tester. Insert tester to bottom of can to be sampled. Pull plunger upwards to draw in sample, keeping the intake surface of the tester within 1/4 (0.63 cm) of the bottom of the can while moving it once diametrically across the bottom of the can, or around the circumference if the bottom of the can is not flat.