USDA Updates Dairy Program Grading Branch Plant Survey Manual

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced updates to the Dairy Program Grading Branch (DGB) Plant Survey (PS) Manual. The changes within the PS Manual will take effect on Feb. 1, 2026. PS Manual updates reflect USDA's commitment to fostering partnerships and alignment with the industry's quality control efforts and continuous modernization.

The DGB Plant Survey Inspection Program is a voluntary inspection service that evaluates dairy manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with established quality, sanitation and operational requirements outlined in 7 CFR 58 Subpart B, General Specifications for Dairy Plants Approved for USDA Inspection and Grading Service. Updated inspection criteria will ensure sanitation, equipment and processing practices are up to date with current technology and industry practices and standards. With these updates, the Plant Survey Program will provide clearer expectations for inspections, creating efficiencies that will minimize plant downtimes and streamline services.

For more information about the updates to DGB's Plant Survey Manual, please visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/dairy-plant-survey-program to review the manual and customer guidance document and to view the webinar. You can also email [email protected] or [email protected] for further information.

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