Ariz. Admin. Code § 3-2-209

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 43, October 25, 2024

Section R3-2-209 - Exempt Non-mobile Slaughter Establishments

In addition to A.R.S. § 3-2050 and the material incorporated in R3-2-202(A), the following shall be provided when slaughtering animals in an exempt non-mobile slaughter establishment:

1. General.

a. A metal knocking box or concrete box with metal door to confine the animal before stunning;

b. A distance of at least three feet from the header rail to the adjacent wall;

c. A bleeding rail with its top at least 16 feet above the floor; and

d. Dressing rails and cooler rails placed so the lowest part of the carcass is at least 12 inches from the floor.

2. Coolers. A chill cooler and separate holding cooler may be provided or both may be combined in one unit. The walls shall be light colored, smooth, free from cracks, and impervious to moisture. The door between the slaughtering department and the chill cooler shall be clad with rust-resistant material. Rails shall be spaced at least two feet from walls, columns, refrigeration equipment, or other fixed equipment to prevent contact with the carcasses.

3. Disposal of blood. If blood is not permitted to drain into the sewage system, it may be collected in a metal tank and removed from the premises.

4. Drainage.

a. Floors that require flushing during operations shall have sloped floor drains to carry off the effluent. Drainage systems shall conform to state and local plumbing codes.

b. Grease recovery systems shall not mask odors or create a harborage for pests.

5. Ventilation and lighting. Natural ventilation may be supplemented by artificial means and shall be sufficient to ensure the absence of dust, masking odors, or steam vapors. To ensure adequate lighting at all times and at all places, natural lighting shall be supplemented by well-distributed artificial lighting.

6. Potable water supply, wash basins, sterilizing facilities.

a. Hot and cold running water, under pressure, shall be available in all parts of the plant and in conformity with the requirements of the Arizona Department of Health Services. The hot water used for sterilizing equipment, floors, and walls that may be contaminated by the dressing procedure or handling of diseased carcasses, viscera, and other animal parts, shall be at least 180° F. A thermometer shall be installed to verify the temperature of the water at the point of use. A cleanup hose shall be available for use.

b. One or more wash basins shall be located in the slaughtering department. The wash basins shall be equipped with hot and cold running water, delivered through a combination mixing faucet with an outlet at least 12 inches above the rim of the bowl. The water delivery shall be foot-pedal operated, and the drainage outlet shall lead directly into the sewage lines. Soap and disposable towels shall be convenient to the wash basins.

c. The tool sterilizer shall be maintained at 180° F and be in operation at all times during slaughter activities.

7. Protection against flies, rodents, or other vermin.

a. Establishments shall be free of flies, rats, mice, roaches, and other pests or vermin. The establishment shall be constructed and maintained to prevent entrance of pests to the premises and to eliminate breeding places from the surrounding area and in the establishment.

b. Animal handling facilities such as stock pens and runways shall be clean and manure or other waste materials removed shall not accumulate at or near the establishment.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R3-2-209

New Section adopted by final rulemaking at 5 A.A.R. 1593, effective May 5, 1999 (Supp. 99-2).