MILK-PLAXT OPERATIOX, 25 



the inspector at the bottle washer was reduced a similar amount. In 

 this way the men took a special interest to prevent bottles from 

 passing without careful inspection. 



As it is very important that the bottles be thoroughly cool before 

 the milk is put into them, and as they must be kept clean while cool- 

 ing, a separate room for storing clean bottles should be provided in 

 the plant, unless there is a bottle-cooling arrangement between the 

 bottle washer and the fillers.^ 



WASHING CANS. 



The matter of washing cans, while only a small part of the daily 

 operations, is a very important one. Many different methods are 

 used at various plants in caring for the cans after the milk is removed 

 from them. There are a number of different types of cleaning 

 machines on the market. The aim of the efficient ones, however, is 

 thorough cleansing with washing powder and water, followed by 

 rinsing, sterilization with steam, and rapid drying. After this the 

 can should be covered and kept from contamination. Some of the 

 largest machines are fitted with powerful pumps, and as the cans in 

 an inverted position are run thi^ough the machine, sprays of washing 

 powder and water, rinse water, hot water, and steam successively are 

 forced into them under considerable pressure. They are then dried 

 in the same machine by a blast of hot air. 



Very satisfactory results can be obtained at small plants by washing 

 the cans thoroughly with a hand brush and water to which washing 

 powder has been added. The cans should then be rinsed and steamed 

 with a jet of live steam for at least 45 seconds. After steaming, the 

 cans should be allowed to stand for a few seconds mitil thoroughly 

 dry. Covers should then be placed on them. It is important that 

 the cans be well dried, and if they are subjected to sufficient steaming 

 they will become dry in a few seconds. Not only does dr5^ing leave 

 the can in a better condition as to cleanliness, but} it tends to prevent 

 rust and prolong the life of the can. The cover should be thoroughly 

 washed and steamed before being returned to the can. 



SANITATION IN CITY MILK PLANTS. 



The importance of cleanliness in the handling of milk can not be 

 overestimated. In order to put out a high quality of milk, both 

 cleanliness and care in handling are required. On arrival at the 

 plant, the milk should either be put in a cold place or immediately 

 started on its course through the plant. The cans of milk may either 

 be put into the refrigerator or have ice packed around them, or the 

 milk may be stored in tanks provided for the purpose. These tanks 

 should be in a cold room or insulated with a jacket, so that the milk 

 may be kept at a low temperature until it is put through the plant. 

 The milk should be strained or put through a clariflor or a filter which 

 removes the greater portion of insoluble dirt in the milk. At small 

 plants satisfactory results can be obtained from the use of a simple 

 strainer or filter of cheesecloth and cotton. Some sort of rack or 

 holder is necessaiy to support the filter; the cheesecloth is first laid 

 on one of these holders and then some sterilized cotton is placed on 



'See U. S. Dopartnient of Agriculture lUillodu No. 849, •'City Milk riam>-— Construction and 

 Arrangement." 



