Plainview Milk Products Cooperative Implements New Employee B...( MINNEAPOLIS July 28...),Health

MINNEAPOLIS, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees at the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative in Plainview, Minn., got new boots this week as the cooperative put in place a new policy to keep possible contaminants out of the plant. Plainview continues to execute a voluntary recall of instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers and gums (thickening agents) as the cooperative implements new protocols for the dry ingredients production area in preparation for re-inspection.

The new boot program does not allow employees or visitors to wear street shoes in the plant. Employees must change into disinfected boots when they start work and leave those boots inside the plant when they leave. Disposable protective boots are provided to customers, auditors and any other visitor to the plant. The program is designed to reduce the risk of outside pathogens entering the building.

"We're looking at every part of the business to make sure we implement every possible improvement during this time," said Dallas Moe, general manager, Plainview Milk Products Cooperative. "The boot program is only part of our effort. We continue to work hand-in-hand with the State of Minnesota and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."

The cooperative is in the process of purchasing a key-card entry system that restricts access to certain areas of the plant. The new system will track employee movement within the plant and restrict access to the dry ingredients portion of the facility, as well as restrict entry into the facility.

Employee training continues as Plainview implements new cleaning and sanitation procedures. "Our employees are a very important part of our long-standing reputation of making high-qualifty dairy products," added Moe. "We're proud of the way they have quickly and accurately adopted the new procedures."

Testing by the U.S. Food and Dru
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