Pennsylvania Approved Sampler Certification
A person certified by the Department to obtain samples of milk or milk products for analysis by a PA Approved Dairy Laboratory. The samples obtained do not require the weighing of milk and are not subject to PMMB licensing. These certifications do include those termed as an Industry Plant Sampler as described in the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). *New samplers shall fill out the Milk Sampler Certification Application and utilize the same Contact Map listed above for initial contact.
Sampler Definitions:
- Milk for Pasteurization: Samples pulled from silos or storage tanks at processing facilities OR from bulk tanks prior to ship to a processing facility for regulatory testing (may be commingled or single supply)
- Milk Products: Bottled and/or packaged milk products (other than fluid milk) pulled for regulatory testing.
- Pasteurized Milk: Bottled and/or packaged fluid milk products pulled for regulatory testing.
- Frozen Desserts: Samples pulled from soft-serve ice cream dispensers for regulatory testing related to Ch.59a.21. (c)
- Raw Milk: Sampled pulled from bulk tanks (or possibly silos) for regulatory testing to meet the requirements of Ch. 59a. Subchapter F.
- Single Service Containers: Samples of manufactured containers and/or closures for single or multi-use packaging in dairy processing for regulatory testing as found in Appendix J of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
A list of certifications issued by the Department will be published on a quarterly basis. These certifications expire after 24 months (plus the remaining days of the expiration month). If your name does not appear on this list, your certification has expired by more than 1 year. Please contact the Department using the Regional Contact Map to schedule your re-certification.
Emergency Lab Reporting Procedures
All positive official monthly and semi-annual test results are required to be reported to the Department of Agriculture immediately, by emailing the BFSLS 472 Emergency Laboratory Report Form, a copy of the positive test results and any supporting documentation applicable (i.e. bill of lading) to RA-AGLABRESULTS@pa.gov.
Screening Facilities – A copy of this report shall accompany the truck and producer samples to the confirmation location, be kept on file at the screening location, and be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture with the BFSLS 477 Appendix N Bulk Tanker Positive Drug Residue Test Report immediately upon identifying a positive result.
Pennsylvania Laboratory Evaluation Program
Please direct all inquiries related to laboratory evaluations to RA-AGMILKPROGRAM@pa.gov.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture approves commercial laboratories and milk facilities to perform tests required by current regulations. Regulatory compliance is mandatory for raw milk, pasteurized milk, other dairy products, and frozen desserts.
Entities licensed by the department that process and package pasteurized milk, dairy products, frozen dessert, raw milk permits, and producer testing, use commercial laboratories to ensure regulatory compliance.
Check out the Pennsylvania Laboratory Evaluation Program page to learn more about this program.