When we pick up a bottle of milk from a supermarket shelf, the first thing we see is basic information such as the brand name, volume, and expiration date. But beneath this information, a string of numbers and letters is often overlooked. These codes are actually an "identity mark" that not only records the production date and batch of the milk, but more importantly, reveals in which factory and even which production line the milk was carefully bottled. This little-known code reveals the dairy where the milk was bottled, providing interesting insights into food traceability and safety.

The code you see is usually called a plant code or processor code. This is a unique identifier assigned to each dairy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This alphanumeric code usually starts with a two-digit state code followed by a three- or four-digit plant number that tells you exactly where the milk was processed.

For example, the code might be "17-1234". The first two digits (17) represent the state where the dairy is located, using a standardized numbering system. The following numbers (1234) are a unique identifier for a specific plant within that state. This coding system is part of the "A" Grade Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), which ensures that milk products meet certain health and safety standards.

Code Composition

Factory code: One part of the code usually represents the factory number where the milk is produced. This number is crucial for dairy companies, as it helps them track product quality, production efficiency, and inventory management. If there is a problem with a batch of products, the company can quickly locate the specific production source through the factory code and take necessary measures.

Production date and batch: Following the factory code is often the production date and batch number of the milk. These numbers tell us exactly when and in which batch this bottle of milk was produced. For consumers, this is not only the basis for understanding the freshness of the product, but also important information to ensure food safety.

Production line identification: In some cases, the code may also include the identification of the production line. This helps manufacturers further refine the production process in internal management, such as optimizing production efficiency and adjusting equipment parameters. For consumers, although this information is relatively hidden, it is also a part of ensuring product quality.

Why is this Information so Important?

Food safety: With food safety receiving increasing attention, the codes on milk jugs have become an important tool to protect consumers' health. Once a problem occurs, companies can quickly recall the relevant batches of products to reduce the spread of risks.

Quality control: By tracking the performance of products in different factories and production lines, companies can continuously optimize production processes and improve product quality. These codes provide accurate data support for quality control.

Supply chain management: For the dairy industry, supply chain management is crucial. Codes help companies achieve effective inventory management, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.

The next time you take a bottle of milk from the refrigerator, you might as well pay more attention to those seemingly random codes. They are not just a combination of numbers and letters, but also witnesses of the entire journey of milk from pasture to table. Through these codes, we can better understand the importance of food safety and feel the positive role that modern technology plays in ensuring the quality of our daily lives.