Dear ACS Members,

The American Cheese Society Food Safety & Regulatory Committee has reviewed recent information about testing of both raw milk cheese finished products as well as testing of liquid milk samples. 

Attached are two documents regarding new opportunities for testing for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in both finished product and liquid milk samples prior to the aging process. Not only will ongoing testing allow cheesemakers to save time and money by disposing of contaminated milk and cheese products prior to aging, but it will also help to identify hotspots for current viral issues. Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory are providing low-cost testing opportunities for Cheese processors.  Dairy Farmers can also to sign up for Herd Management Testing. This is a voluntary program that offers dairy producers the option to monitor their herds via monthly sampling of bulk milk tanks at no cost. Many states are already involved in herd testing protocols, but this allows individual farms and cheese producers to sign up for testing directly.  We encourage members to take advantage of any or all of these services.

Regards,

Susan Rigg

ACS Food Safety & Regulatory Committee, Chair