Office of Food Protection

Dairy Industry Program

Stephen DiMaio
Supervising Environmental Health Food Specialist

The Dairy Industry Program conducts inspections of fluid milk production and processing facilities; performs pasteurization equipment testing; and collects product samples for laboratory analysis. Grade A fluid milk is regulated under the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s "Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance" which was promulgated by the RI Milk Sanitation Code (Chapter 21-2 of the RI General Laws). Interstate shipments of Grade A fluid milk are regulated by both the state and federal governments. RI is an active member in the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) along with representatives from the Food & Drug Administration and Industry.

Milk sanitation programs in the United States are some of the oldest and most respected Public Health activities. The incidence of milkborne illness in the United States has been sharply reduced in recent years due to these efforts.

The Dairy Industry Program also is responsible for the safe and sanitary manufacture of retail and wholesale frozen desserts which are regulated under Chapter 21-9 of the R.I.G.L entitled "Frozen Desserts"  and the associated Departmental Rules and Regulations.