A common sampling methods for tanker trucks require a dip sample be taken from the top hatch of the tanker truck. However, many people in the industry believe that a syringe sample taken from the side or the rear of the truck would be a preferred method of sampling because it would:
Allow for a more representative and aseptically obtained sample,
Help with plant operation efficiency by taking samples at the plant before the truck enters the receiving bay,
Help the dairy industry comply with the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act, and
mprove sampling safety by allowing personnel to obtain a sample while standing on the ground.
Bob Gilchrist of AgriMark, Inc. has been a champion for this improved sampling method. Bob has fitted some AgriMark Trucks with the QMI Sampler. He has also pointed out that the QMI Sampler can reduce the waiting time of the tanker truck at the plant by 20 minutes. This would dramatically improve plant operation efficiencies. In addition, Chris Thompson at the University of Kentucky has managed research to determine the effect of stratification on sample accuracy. Table 1 below shows the effect of stratification over time on sample accuracy. The zero hour samples were taken at the farm of the last pick-up and then samples were taken at the plant.
As Chris points out, the most effective time to take an accurate sample is right after the truck has been filled. Other research by Bob Gilchrist shows that Somatic Cell Count, Standard Plate Count and Butterfat can not accurately be determined after raw milk in a milk truck has stratified.
SAMPLING A TRUCKLOAD OF STRATIFIED RAW MILK
Changes in the way milk is harvested and transported have created sampling challenges. The use of much larger and much longer truck trailers along with direct load harvesting of milk have created a situation which makes obtaining a representative sample quite difficult.
Agitation of the milk is not desirable because the oxygen can increase the growth rate of the bacteria and increase the oxidation of milk fat.
QMI proposes a solution to these problems. Using the QMI Aseptic Sampling Elbow and a QMI Composite Sampling Bag, samples can be taken at the farm for direct load harvesting. This method has been approved in FDA Memorandum M-I-06-6 Inline Sampling (May 15, 2006).
Trucks filled by pumping from a bulk tank, obtaining a QMI syringe sample right after the truck is filled will result in a representative sample.
For trucks arriving at the plant, the QMI Aseptic Sampler positioned after the pump along with the use of a QMI Composite Sampling Bag will result in a representative sample. This sampling method is recommended for obtaining samples for component analysis.
To learn more about this method of accurate sampling of stratified milk, please contact QMI.
QMI (Quality Management, Inc.) 426 Hayward Avenue North
Oakdale Minnesota 55128
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