What action should be taken in the event of a positive phosphatase test?

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When a positive phosphatase test indicates that pasteurization may not have been effective, the appropriate action is to notify the milk and dairy foods control branch. This is critical because the phosphatase enzyme is a marker that suggests the milk may not have been adequately pasteurized, which can pose health risks. By informing the regulatory authority, they can take necessary actions to protect public health, such as investigating the pasteurization process, assessing potential contamination, and determining the appropriate steps to remedy the situation.

Furthermore, simply discarding the milk without further action may not address the root cause of the issue or prevent future occurrences. Continuing regular operations could endanger consumer safety, while conducting further testing might delay necessary precautions or responses that the control branch can implement. Thus, notifying the proper authorities ensures a coordinated and effective response to maintain safety standards.