The bulk milk hauler plays a critical role in milk handling but ________________ is not one of their duties.

The role of the bulk milk hauler is crucial in the dairy supply chain, particularly in ensuring that milk is transported safely and remains of high quality. Among the various responsibilities that fall to these professionals, quality testing, monitoring temperatures, and collecting samples are integral parts of their job.

Quality testing involves evaluating the milk for factors such as somatic cell count and bacteria levels, ensuring it meets health and safety standards. Monitoring temperatures is essential to keep the milk within the required range during transport, as this helps to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. Collecting samples is also a responsibility of the hauler to provide milk quality assurance and facilitate testing.

However, the cleanliness and sanitation of equipment, although critical for maintaining milk quality, typically fall under the purview of the dairy producer or processing plant rather than the hauler. While they may check for obvious issues, it is not their direct responsibility to ensure that all equipment has been cleaned correctly before milk pick-up. Therefore, this makes cleanliness duties distinct from the core operational tasks of the bulk milk hauler.