Issuance of permit to dairy business operators is an important activity in regulation of the dairy industry. It facilitates regular inspection of such premises to ensure compliance to milk quality and safety requirements. The various categories of permits, which are designed for different processes along the value chain.
Dairy business operators should comply with the laid out hygienic and operational requirements. This include compliance in the following areas among others;
- Premises: - should be properly located, designed, ventilated, lighted and protected from contamination
- Equipment: - Equipment, piping, accessories and other contact surfaces coming into contact with milk and milk products should be easy to clean and sanitize, corrosion resistant and made from food grade material
- Personnel: - Milk handling personnel should be clean and well-groomed, properly attired and medically certified
- Record keeping: - Quality records should be maintain and updated
- Waste management: - Effluent and other solid wastes should be managed in accordance with regulations
- Utilities: - Adequate supply of potable water and other essential utilities depending on type of operation
- Management: - Premises should be managed by a qualified supervisor or manager
- Operations: - Recommended processing schedules should be followed e.g. pasteurization temperatures and time controls
- Rodent and vermin control: - Premises should be protected against invasion by flies, rodents, birds and other vermin