Current through 2024-44, October 30, 2024
A. The fish used for packing of sardines shall be fish commonly called herring, which is definitely specified by statute. These fish shall be sound, free from decomposition and adulteration. Fish shall be subject to inspection throughout the packing process and if for any reason they fail to meet the standards set to assure their compliance with the Federal Food and Drug Administration requirements, they shall be rejected and shall not be packed as sardines.B. The cans shall be fully packed. The gills of the fish are considered a part of the head and shall be entirely removed during the cutting operation.C. Fish waste shall not be allowed to accumulate on the packing tables. The separation and accumulation of fish on the packing table for packing at a later time shall not be permitted.D. Fish which have been contaminated in any way shall not be packed. Fish shall not be picked out of the waste and packed. Fish after being packed in the cans shall be carefully protected from contamination until the cans have been closed.01-001 C.M.R. ch. 334, § 3