CHAPTER XII 

 MARKET MILK AND CREAM 



109. Variable Character of Market Milk. — It is 



estimated that one third of the milk produced in 

 this country is used for direct consumption by the 

 producer or is sold as market milk. The milk 

 supply of large cities is extremely variable in char- 

 acter, both in its richness in fat and its wholesome- 

 ness or sanitary condition. In those states where 

 dairy laws have been enacted and the laws are 

 reasonably well enforced, milk of good quality is 

 secured, but where no legal control is exercised 

 over the milk supply, it is often of very poor qual- 

 ity. To meet the requirements of the consumer, 

 milk should be produced from animals in sound 

 health, and the milk should be free from dirt, have 

 good keeping qualities, and contain a reasonable 

 amount of fat. In order to suppl}' milk of the 

 best quality, different methods of handling have 

 been devised, the most satisfactory and cleanly 

 way being to supply the milk in sterilized sealed 

 bottles. When milk is conveyed to the consumer 

 in this form, no opportunity presents itself for 

 adulteration or for the milk to become contami- 

 nated by unclean methods of handling or through 



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