Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Practice Exam

As a plant manager, how can you ensure that physical hazards like cow hair and debris are eliminated from raw milk?

1. Use a metal detector at the end of production

2. Install screens and filters on the raw milk inflow tube

3. Rely on pasteurization alone

4. Use magnets to catch metal fragments

The correct answer is: Install screens and filters on the raw milk inflow tube

Ensuring the elimination of physical hazards such as cow hair and debris from raw milk is critical for maintaining food safety and quality. Installing screens and filters on the raw milk inflow tube is the most effective option because these devices specifically target and remove physical contaminants as the milk enters the processing system. Screens and filters act as a barrier; they help catch larger particles like hair, dirt, and other foreign debris, ensuring that only clean milk progresses through the production process. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of contamination before the milk is processed further or packaged, thus enhancing overall product safety. While the use of metal detectors and magnets can be effective in detecting and removing particular types of physical hazards, they do not address the risks posed by non-metallic contaminants such as cow hair or other debris. Moreover, pasteurization primarily addresses microbiological hazards and would not eliminate physical contaminants. It is essential to implement multiple layers of controls, but the installation of screens and filters directly addresses the specific concern of physical hazards in raw milk.