La. Admin. Code tit. 51 § VII-529

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section VII-529 - Construction of Containers and Equipment

A. All multi-use containers, utensils and equipment used in the handling, storage or transportation of milk or milk products shall be constructed of smooth, non-absorbent, non-oxidizable and non-toxic material located as to be easily cleaned, shall be free of exposed copper or brass, and shall be kept in good repair. Joints and seams shall be smooth and easily cleanable. Woven wire cloth shall not be used for straining milk. All milk pails shall be of heavy-gauge material and of small mouth design. The design, construction and manner of employment of all milk equipment shall conform with 3-A Standards and the requirements of the PMO, and be approved by the state health officer in writing prior to installation.

B. Systems are acceptable if they are designed, installed and operated in accordance with the following parameters for reverse flush systems:

1. All product contact surfaces shall conform to the construction criteria of §529. A of this Part.

2. An intervening break to the atmosphere shall be provided between the water and/or chemical solution and the product and/or product contact surfaces at all times.

3. If a pre-rinse cycle is used it shall be with potable water.

4. The system shall provide for:

a. A chemical solution cycle with a chemical solution complying with provisions of Appendix F of the PMO.

b. The chemical solution strength shall be limited to that strength necessary to accomplish its intended effect and shall not leave a significant residual in the milk.

c. A post-rinse cycle with safe water. The use of treated water to prevent psychrophilic microorganisms contamination should be considered.

d. A drain cycle with sufficient time to drain or remove all moisture from the product contact surfaces of the reverse flush system.

5. When air under pressure is used in contact with product or solution contact surfaces, it shall comply with the requirements for air under pressure contained in §929(I) of this Part, provided that an exception to the piping downstream from the terminal filter may be granted when:

a. the piping is used only for filtered air;

b. at least one access point is available to determine cleanliness of the air piping; and

c. the piping is of a smooth, non-absorbent, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic material, including any adhesives used in joints. In some installations, a check valve may be required to prevent water and/or chemical solution from entering these air lines.

La. Admin. Code tit. 51, § VII-529

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, LR 37:2663 (September 2011).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 40:4(A)(1)(a). Also see R.S. 40:5(2)(3)(5)(7)(15)(17) and R.S. 40:922.