Under federal orders, what are milk processors commonly referred to as?

Milk processors are commonly referred to as handlers under federal orders. This terminology is used to designate individuals or entities that manage the collection, processing, and marketing of milk. Handlers play a crucial role in the dairy industry, as they are responsible for ensuring that milk meets safety and quality standards before it reaches consumers. The term reflects their responsibilities in the milk supply chain, which can include not only processing but also handling raw milk, packing it, and ensuring its distribution.

While the other terms like processors, distributors, and manufacturers may seem relevant, they do not capture the specific regulatory context in which milk is managed under federal orders. Processors specifically refer to those who transform raw milk into various dairy products, but they may not encompass all aspects of handling milk. Distributors focus on the delivery of dairy products to retailers and consumers rather than the processing stage, while manufacturers is a more general term that can apply to any entity making a product, not specifically limited to the dairy industry. Hence, "handlers" is the precise term used under federal orders to describe milk processors.