Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > Milk Quality Lab

Milk Quality Laboratory

The Milk Quality Laboratory is a FDA certified regulatory lab for the analysis of all milk and milk products produced in the State of Maine. Maine Milk Rules require the analysis of each product four times in any six month period to assure they are in compliance with state and national standards that...

  1. safeguard public health in areas of antibiotic residue, proper pasteurization, and bacterial contamination and
  2. ensures that consumers are receiving the quality they expect with regard to fat and solids content and added water.

Non-compliance penalties can include suspension of distribution of products. Dispute resolution between producers and their dairy is also provided in areas of butterfat and/or protein content and bacterial or somatic cell counts.

In addition, the Laboratory Evaluation Officers certify commercial and industry laboratory analysts and approve bulk milk pick-up tanker drug screeners through on-site evaluations every two years and an annual split sample proficiency program.

Read the Standards for Milk and Milk Products

For specific testing information:

E-mail or phone Cathleen.Cotton@maine.gov, (207)287-7623