What is the maximum somatic cell count for milk to be legally shipped to the European Union?

The maximum somatic cell count for milk to be legally shipped to the European Union is set at 400,000 cells per milliliter. Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality, with higher counts often suggesting issues like mastitis in cows. The European Union has established this limit as part of its standards to ensure that the milk produced and processed meets quality and hygiene requirements, protecting consumer health and maintaining the overall quality of dairy products.

Staying within this threshold is critical for dairy farmers and processors, as exceeding this limit could lead to penalties or rejection of milk shipments. Understanding this standard is vital for anyone involved in the dairy industry, especially in export operations.