What is the purpose of the PMO?

• A. To regulate labeling only
• B. To facilitate shipment and acceptance of milk and milk products of high sanitary quality in interstate and intrastate commerce
• C. To license dairy farms
• D. To set prices

Answer: (B)

PMO, short for Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, provides the national framework for the sanitary quality of milk and milk products and the requirements for pasteurization. Its main goal is to facilitate shipment and acceptance of milk and milk products of high sanitary quality in interstate and intrastate commerce, by setting consistent standards that regulators and dairy facilities follow. This standardization helps ensure products moving across state lines meet safety criteria and that dairy programs in different states operate under the same expectations. It’s the basis regulators rely on for licensing, inspection, and enforcement of dairy safety. It does not focus on labeling alone, licensing dairy farms, or setting prices, which are governed by other regulations and programs.