S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-34.IX

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-34.IX - Bottling, Packaging, Container Filling, and Container Closure/Sealing

A. Bottling, Packaging, and Container Filling.

1. Bottling, packaging, and container filling of raw milk and raw milk products shall be done at the place of production in a sanitary manner by approved mechanical equipment. Bottling, packaging, and container filling of raw milk or raw milk products may be conducted in the milkroom and processing rooms or room.

2. Bottling or packaging machine supply tanks and bowls shall have covers which are smooth and easily cleanable and shall be constructed to prevent any contamination from reaching the inside of the filler tank or bowl. All covers shall be in place during operation.

3. A drip deflector shall be installed on each filler valve. The drip deflector shall be designed and adjusted to divert condensation away from the open container.

4. All containers, seals, and caps shall be from an approved Interstate Milk Shippers listed facility.

5. All containers, seals, and caps shall be handled in a sanitary manner and protected against undue exposure during the operation.

6. When any lubricant is applied to the filler equipment or other milk contact surfaces, the lubricant shall be food grade and applied in a sanitary manner.

7. Containers shall be closed immediately after being filled.

B. Container Closure/Sealing.

1. All container caps, sealers, and closures shall be stored in a clean, dry place protected from insects, rodents, dust, splash, or other contamination.

2. Only new containers, container caps, sealers, and closures shall be used. Reusable glass containers must be approved by the Department prior to use.

3. All container closure/sealing shall be done at the place of production in a sanitary manner by approved mechanical equipment.

4. Hand capping or sealing of containers is prohibited.

5. If suitable mechanical equipment for the capping or closing of specific container(s) of 12.8 liters (three gallons) or more is not available, other methods which eliminate all possibility of contamination may be approved by the Department. Approval of such methods shall be obtained prior to beginning operation.

6. Bottles and packages which have been imperfectly capped, sealed, or closed shall have the contents emptied immediately into approved sanitary containers that are protected from contamination and maintained at 7°C (45°F) or less; when handled and stored properly, the contents may be repackaged in new containers at a later time.

7. All caps, seals, and closures shall be designed and applied so that the sealed container is tamper-evident (removal cannot be made without detection), and the pouring lip shall be protected to at least its largest diameter.

8. Caps, sealers, and closures shall not be left in the equipment at the end of an operating period. Caps, sealers, and closures remaining in the chute between the hopper and the capping device shall be discarded.

9. Loose caps, sealers, and closures may be returned to storage by enclosing them in a clean, protective wrap, plastic bag, or container approved by the Department.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-34.IX

Amended by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 6, eff June 26, 2009; State Register Volume 46, Issue No. 04, eff. 4/22/2022.