Real-Life Decision Making
You are a dairy inspector faced with a tough decision. You have just received
a telephone call from the laboratory that tests samples collected from dairy
farms and production plants throughout the state. A sample of raw (unpasteurized)
milk taken from a dairy farm shows abnormally high levels of coliform.
Coliform is a type of bacteria that exists naturally in the air and water.
By itself, coliform is not dangerous. However, the fact that it is showing
up in such high levels indicates that other, more threatening types of bacteria
may be present.
The dairy farm that produced the milk is a new farm that has never been
inspected. You have no idea what the conditions are at the farm or what might
be causing the problem. It could be something as simple as a misunderstanding
about proper milking procedures. For example, it is very important to keep
cows dry between milkings. The type of bedding used in the cow's stalls
can also be a factor.
On the other hand, unsanitary conditions may be producing the bacteria.
Perhaps the cows or the equipment aren't being cleaned properly. The
pens where the cows are kept may be dirty. Until you inspect the farm, you
really have no way of knowing what caused the high bacteria levels.
You need to decide what action to take. Obviously, the farm must be inspected.
But should you issue a recall notice, forcing store owners to remove the product
from their shelves? If you don't, people may become ill.
What do you do?