La. Admin. Code tit. 51 § VII-921

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

Section VII-921 - Separate Rooms

A. There shall be separate rooms for:

1. the pasteurizing, ultra-pasteurizing and aseptically processing, cooling and packaging of milk and dairy products;

2. the cleaning of milk cans, bottles, totes, cases and other containers;

3. the fabrication of containers and closures for milk and dairy products;

4. cleaning and sanitizing facilities for milk tank trucks in plants receiving milk in such tanks;

5. receiving cans of milk and dairy products and cleaning and sanitizing such cans in milk plants that receive milk in cans;

6. the processing of cheese or any other dairy products in vats or other types of vessels that are uncovered while product is in them. Provided, that in dairy plants that currently have such open vats or other types of vessels in processing rooms, the state health officer may allow the use of these vats/vessels during periods in which there are no processing or cleaning activities being conducted while the vats/vessels are uncovered. Provided further, that such vats/vessels shall be equipped with properly constructed covers which are tight fitting and designed in such manner as to preclude contamination of product and shall be kept in place during the "setting operation"; and,

7. the boiler and other non-processing mechanical equipment, shop rooms and repair areas.

B. The state health officer shall have the authority to require individual plants to provide separate rooms for any purpose he determines to be necessary to prevent a compromise to food safety.

C. Rooms in which milk or dairy products are handled, processed or stored or in which dairy product containers, utensils and equipment are cleaned or stored, shall not open directly into any stable, farmstead or area in which meat, poultry or any other non-dairy foods of animal origin are handled or stored, any restaurant food preparation area or any room used for domestic purposes. All rooms shall be of sufficient size for their intended purposes.

D. Separate areas or rooms and equipment shall be provided for receiving, handling, storage and disposal of returned dairy products that have left direct control of the plant and shall be used for this purpose only. They shall be kept neat, clean and maintained in such a manner as to preclude contamination of other products and equipment or attraction of flies and rodents. Such products shall not be used for human consumption.

La. Admin. Code tit. 51, § VII-921

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, LR 37:2674 (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.