Section 375 IAC 1-4-12 - Standards for dairy and egg productionAuthority: IC 15-15-8-17
Affected: IC 15-15-8
Sec. 12.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, the certified organic standards are the same as for meat production, with the exception of the following additions and clarifications:(1) A dairy animal from which milk or milk products will be sold or labeled as organically produced shall be raised and handled in accordance with this title for not less than the twelve (12) month period immediately prior to the sale of such milk and milk products.(2) Purchased production stock into Indiana certified herds must be from certified organic sources.(3) Dairy replacements must be nonmedicated, including milk replacer (organic whole milk is preferable), up to the required one (1) year prior to certification.(4) The use of antibiotics, medications, and all hormones is prohibited in organic dairy. If recourse to antibiotics or hormones is deemed necessary, that animal's production cannot be sold as organic. For new herds and replacements, no antibiotic or hormone use will be allowed one (1) year prior to certifiable status.(5) Active intervention products should be considered only after acceptable practices have failed. If active intervention products are used, milk shall be withheld from the treated animal for a period of twelve (12) months.(6) Genetically engineered organisms are prohibited.(7) Cleansers and sanitizers (on farm): Milk equipment sanitizers (CIP and manual) and udder washes are two (2) potential sources of contamination. Sanitary standards should be met using materials approved for use in Indiana organic standards; however, if nonapproved materials must be used due to local rules, all equipment must be rinsed (as allowed by law) to neutralize and effectively eliminate chemical contamination.(8) Rinsing after sanitizing is prohibited. To neutralize and effectively eliminate chemical contamination, the following guidelines must be used: (A) All chemicals shall not exceed the manufacturer's recommended p.p.m.(B) Caustic or alkaline washes shall be followed by an acid wash, followed by a rinse, followed by an appropriate sanitizer at the appropriate p.p.m.(9) Organic milk may follow conventional milk as long as the first organic milk flushes the system to conventional channels.(10) All regulatory sanitation requirements and quality standards for bacteria and somatic cell count (SCC) must be observed. In addition, the annual average SCC should not exceed four hundred thousand (400,000) for bovine (eight hundred thousand (800,000) for ovine or caprine) or local rules, whichever is lower; maximum bacteria count should not exceed one hundred thousand (100,000) or local rules, whichever is lower. Individual animals are recommended to be on monthly SCC testing. Failure to comply with these quality levels will require a farm plan response to be implemented to come into compliance and be approved by the certifying agent.(11) A new herd should have under a four hundred thousand (400,000) average SCC for the three (3) months prior to certifiable status.(12) Dairy animals must drink water with nitrate levels below ten (10) mg nitrate, nitrogen/liter (forty-five (45) mg NO3/liter) and satisfy all state requirements concerning bacteria and other microlife. If a farmer is unable to meet these requirements, a farm plan response shall be implemented to reach compliance.(13) Pullets must be fed one hundred percent (100%) certified organic feed for at least four (4) months before eggs are certifiable. When pullets are purchased, they must be treated in accordance with these standards for at least four (4) months before their eggs are certified.(14) Hens must have at least two (2) square feet per bird floor space in the henhouse and hens must have outdoor access when seasonally appropriate.(15) If access to pasture is not feasible, flocks must be fed sprouted grains or fresh plants or hay on a daily basis.(16) Use of petroleum-based oil as a shell coating after washing is prohibited.Indiana State Department of Agriculture; 375 IAC 1-4-12; filed Jun 15, 2001, 11:46 a.m.: 24 IR 3638; readopted filed Nov 26, 2007, 2:49 p.m.: 20071226-IR-375070721RFA