Central Dairy Testing Laboratory

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture's dairy laboratory was established in 1962. The lab tests milk and various dairy products produced by cows, goats, sheep and water buffalo. Samples are collected by Agency field agents from the processing plants and producers.

Regulatory Tests

Antibiotic Detection: Detects the presence of the penicillin and sulfonamide drug groups.

Component Testing :Measures content in milk and dairy products. Content testing includes butterfat, protein, solids etc.

Phosphatase Detection: The presence of the enzyme indicates the milk was not correctly pasteurized.

Somatic Cell Counts: Indicator of cow health.

Bacteria Levels: Coliform and total bacteria count in milk and processed items.

Cryoscope: Tests for added water in milk.

Farm Waters: Tests milk house tap water for presence of coliform bacteria.