The installation of new or modified dairy processing equipment can be a complex and challenging process. All installations and equipment must meet regulatory requirements before use in the plant. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) requires that all new or renovated dairy plant equipment installations be reviewed and approved before work begins. This ensures compliance with Minnesota Statutes and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).
This page summarizes the process used to review dairy plant equipment both in existing plants, and in the on-boarding and approval process for new plants. New dairy plants must work through the full on-boarding process, which includes review of other aspects of their operation as well.
When is Equipment Review Required?
Equipment reviews are needed for:
- New equipment installations in existing or new plants
- Upgrades or modifications to existing equipment
- Any proposed use of non-standard or alternative equipment
If a review was required and not completed prior to installation, the plant may have to discontinue operations until the review can be completed, especially if food contact equipment is involved.
Types of Equipment Reviews
The MDA conducts two types of equipment review: Full Equipment Review and Inspection Review. The type of review needed depends on the project and proposed changes.
- Full Equipment Review (FER) includes plan submission, desk review, and in-plant inspection. This is required for any major construction projects (described in the next section).
- Inspection Review (IR) is a simplified review completed during routine inspections.
Types of Constructions Projects
Major Construction Projects
These projects involve the installation, replacement, upgrading or repair of major equipment, especially food contact equipment, and/or major storage vessels. Some examples include:
- Installing or replacing food contact equipment
- Changing facility layout or a change that requires permitting (such as plumbing or electrical)
- Adding new silos, fillers, dryers, or pasteurizers
- Using non-standard or novel equipment
- Implementing new water reuse or treatment systems
Major construction projects require full equipment review. This review requires completion of the equipment review application form, equipment specifications, process review, in-plant consultation and review with the equipment specialist, and a final inspection.
The MDA bills an hourly rate of $45/hour for completion of the desk review and in-plant review. The overall cost will vary based on the complexity of the change or proposed installation. Plants should expect a minimum of two hours billed for this type of review. Extensive changes or reviews for new plants typically take more time.
Simple Construction Projects
These changes are smaller in scale, and do not affect food contact surfaces. These changes are reviewed during regular inspections. The MDA does not bill for these types of reviews. Some examples include:
- Replacing equipment with identical models (same part for same part)
- Expanding non-production areas (e.g., bathrooms, warehouses)
- Evaluating standard clean-in-place systems
Non-Equipment Projects
These projects do not affect food production and usually relate to non-production areas. They do not require a review. Some examples include:
- Roof repairs
- Parking lot work
- Replacing bathroom doors
How to Submit an Equipment Review Request
- Complete the Dairy Plant Equipment Review Form (pdf).
- Include:
- Blueprints or plans
- Equipment specs
- Water supply and sanitary design info
- Submit to the MDA by emailing the form and associated documents to dairyplant.equipment.mda@state.mn.us
What happens next?
The dairy plant equipment specialist will review your submission and reach out to discuss your application. They may request more information to help with the approval process. For projects requiring full equipment review, an initial approval may be given to allow construction to begin, if required. Site visits may occur periodically during construction to review progress. The final approval will be given during an in-person inspection with the equipment specialist and assigned dairy inspector.
