The Milk Hygiene Section was formed in the end of June 2006 as a unit specialising in the Hygiene of Milk and milk products within the FFRC.

The impetus of the section is to ensure that Local milk and dairy products are produced in line with the Hygiene Principles established within the European Union motto “Hygiene from the farm to the fork” and enforced by EU Reg. 853/04 (hygiene regulation).

The main activities are to carry out inspections on Dairy and Cheeslet farms to
Monitor the following processes:

- That producers have a sound knowledge of the principles of Hygiene and their application to farms.

- Hygiene of milking operations /milk handling procedures

- Use of clean and disinfected equipment and tools during each stage of production.

- Farmers maintain the cold chain of his daily milk production.

- The health status of the dairy herd, especially milking animals

- Respect of welfare principles and good husbandry practice in production animals

- Identification of sick subject and monitoring of proper medication protocols such as withdrawal periods.

- Routine Milk/ Cheeslet sample test for microbiological and qualitative parameters

- The MHS in collaboration with National Veterinary Laboratory also verifies (through milk and blood tests) the health conditions of the herd with regards to the control of diseases.

In cases where Dairy farms/ Cheeslet producers are found to be no compliant with the EU Reg. 853/04 by the MHS, enforcement action may be taken which can in cases include, among other actions, the revocation of the licence.