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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 15Pt. 1Ch. 8Art. 1§ 34001 Milk Pasteurization Requirements

§ 34001 Milk Pasteurization Requirements

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 34001 Milk Pasteurization Requirements

Key Takeaways

  • •Milk must be heated to a certain temperature for a set time to kill germs.
  • •The exact temperature and time depend on the type of milk product.
  • •After heating, milk must be cooled down quickly to 50°F or lower.
  • •Only approved equipment can be used for this process.

Example

A dairy farm heats regular milk to 161°F for 15 seconds to make it safe to drink.

The farm follows the law by heating the milk to the right temperature for the right amount of time, then cools it down fast. This kills bad germs so people don’t get sick.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 34001 Milk Pasteurization Requirements

Pasteurization of milk or a milk product is a process which consists of one of the following: (a) Uniformly heating milk or a milk product to a temperature of not less than 145 degrees Fahrenheit and of holding it at such temperature for at least 30 minutes, except a milk product which has a higher fat content than milk, or contains added sweeteners, or both, shall be heated to at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit and held at or above this temperature for at least 30 consecutive minutes. (b) Uniformly heating milk or a milk product to a temperature of at least 161 degrees Fahrenheit and holding it at such temperature for at least 15 seconds, except a milk product which has a higher fat content than milk, or contains added sweeteners, or both, shall be heated to at least 166 degrees Fahrenheit and held at or above this temperature for at least 15 consecutive seconds. Each such type of heating shall be conducted in approved and properly operated equipment. The milk or milk product shall be immediately cooled to a temperature of not above 50 degrees Fahrenheit after the completion of either of such heatings. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting any other process which has been demonstrated to be equally efficient and is approved by the director. (Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 191.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

pasteurizationmilk product145 degrees Fahrenheit161 degrees Fahrenheit50 degrees Fahrenheit

Related Statutes

  • § 34003 Cream Heating And Cooling
  • § 34006 Milk Byproduct Pasteurization Requirements
  • § 34031 Milk Pasteurization Equipment Cleanliness
  • § 21701 Bovine Animal Definition
  • § 21702 Animal Sale Documentation Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 34001.
View Official Source