If milk is pasteurized within 4 h from the time of reception, it should be immediately
cooled and kept refrigerated at a temperature below 6°C to prevent the growth of
pathogens. If holding time is 3–4 days, the temperature should be kept below 3°C
and for 4 days a temperature of 2°C or below is required (ICMSF, 1988). To extend
the storage time of raw milk, thermization, cooling or addition of lactoperoxidase
or hydrogen peroxide is suggested (Varnam and Sutherland, 1996). Mixing stored
raw milk with newly received raw milk should be strictly avoided and storage tanks
should be cleaned and disinfected prior to their filling with fresh raw milk (Burgess
et al., 1994).