Dairy Plants Get Extra Time for Butterfat Record Rules
Published Date: 2/10/2025
Rule
Summary
The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about keeping butterfat test records at dairy plants until after January 16, 2025. These rules let plants test butterfat in-house or with approved labs and require them to keep records ready for USDA inspectors. This change helps dairy plants work smarter and keeps things running smoothly without extra hassle or cost right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Effective Date Delayed from Jan 16, 2025
The USDA delays the rule that was scheduled to take effect on January 16, 2025, which changed plant records requirements for dairy butterfat testing. This postponement means dairy plants do not have to comply with that January 16, 2025 start date.
Permits In-House or Approved Lab Butterfat Tests
The amended rule allows butterfat tests to be done at a dairy plant's in-house laboratory or at an approved third-party laboratory. This change aligns testing options with current industry practice for dairy plants.
New Recordkeeping and Inspection Requirement
The amended rule requires dairy plants to maintain butterfat test records and make them available for examination by a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector. Plants must keep these records on site or otherwise accessible for USDA inspection.
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