Should the vitamin pump run if the HTST system is in divert flow or recycle mode?

The correct answer is based on the need to control the addition of vitamins during specific operational modes of the HTST (High-Temperature Short-Time) pasteurization process. When the system is in divert flow or recycle mode, the product is not being processed for immediate packaging or sale. In these situations, running the vitamin pump can lead to an excess of vitamins in the product. Since the primary concern is to maintain safety and quality standards, not exceeding the maximum allowable limits for vitamins is crucial.

Maintaining appropriate levels of vitamins is essential not only for compliance with health standards but also to ensure that the end product does not provide nutritional imbalances. The divert flow or recycle mode indicates that the product is either being redirected due to a fault or temporarily not being processed for consumption; hence, it is vital to prevent any over-addition of vitamins during this state.

This understanding underscores the safety measures necessary for maintaining product integrity, which is particularly important in dairy processing and other food manufacturing sectors where vitamin fortification occurs.