What should an operator do if they see product flowing through the sight glass during diverted flow?

When an operator observes product flowing through the sight glass during a diverted flow, the appropriate action is to notify their supervisor and shut down the pasteurizer. This is crucial for ensuring safety and maintaining product quality. The sight glass is used to monitor the flow of product, and seeing it flow during a diverted state indicates that there may be a malfunction or a serious issue within the pasteurization process.

Diverted flow typically signals that the product is not being properly treated or held according to regulatory standards, which could lead to unsafe product entering the market or compromises in the pasteurization process. Shutting down the pasteurizer allows for immediate attention to the problem, preventing any potential hazards or product loss.

The other options could lead to serious repercussions. For instance, increasing the pumping speed could exacerbate the issue and lead to a greater risk of unsafe product. Continuing normal operations ignores the warning sign and could result in distributing unsafe milk or dairy products. Adjusting the temperature controls without resolving the initial problem also does not address the underlying issue that prompted the diverted flow. Thus, notifying a supervisor and shutting down the pasteurizer ensures that proper protocols are followed and that any risk to consumers is minimized.