N.J. Admin. Code § 8:13-2.22

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 12, June 17, 2024

Section 8:13-2.22 - Bacteriological sampling

(a) Bacteriological sampling collection and analysis of depurated clams shall be conducted by a laboratory approved by the designated State of New Jersey shellfish laboratory evaluation officer, who is certified by the United States Food and Drug Administration under the Model Ordinance. The laboratory shall not be affiliated with the depuration plants being regulated under these rules.

(b) The following minimum sampling programs shall be followed:

1. Clams samples are to be taken randomly for each process batch of clams at the following intervals:

i. Zero hour samples shall be collected at a frequency established in writing by the Department. The frequency shall be based on levels of pollution, weather conditions, and seasonal changes with a minimum of two samples per lot when zero hours sampling is deemed necessary.

ii. Five samples per lot at a period of time between 40 and 48 hours. Samples taken prior to 48 hours which do not meet the bacteriological standards shall be resampled to show that the process batch meets the bacteriological standards before being offered for sale and results received by the DPO. Sampling may be reduced to three samples per lot based upon test results indicating low variability in test results and approval by the Department.

iii. Five samples per lot at "72" hours if found necessary.

2. A water sample of the ultraviolet (UV) treated water shall be taken directly from the outlet of each UV unit during each process cycle.

(c) All bacteriological sampling results shall be forwarded to the Department's shellfish project in writing within five days of completion.

(d) Clam process batch(es) that do not meet the bacteriological standard provided at N.J.A.C. 8:13-2.21after 48 hours of depuration shall be further depurated for an additional 24 hours.

1. Clam process batch(es) that do not meet the bacteriological standard after 72 hours of depuration cannot be further depurated and shall not be used for human food consumption and shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the Department.

2. The certificate holder shall notify the shellfish program coordinator in the Department's Public Health and Food Protection Program by telephone at 609-826-4935 immediately upon receipt of bacteriological results that batch(es) do not meet the standard after 48 or 72 hours of depuration.

(e) No depurated clams shall be packed prior to notification from the approved laboratory of acceptable bacteriological quality unless a procedure has been approved by the Department that distinguishes these clams from those that are ready for shipment.

(f) No depurated clams shall be shipped until laboratory results confirming acceptable bacteriological quality have been received by the plant.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:13-2.22

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 2149(b), effective 10/15/2018