Section 229.548 - Construction and Maintenance of Physical Facilities(a) Buildings. Buildings used by salvage establishments and salvage brokers shall be of suitable design and contain sufficient space to perform necessary operations, prevent mix-ups, and assure orderly handling.(b) Floor construction. (1) The floor surfaces in all rooms and areas in which salvageable or salvaged food is stored or processed and in which utensils are washed, and walk-in refrigerators, dressing or locker rooms, and toilet rooms, shall be constructed to be smooth and easily cleanable.(2) Any floor that is exposed to water or liquids shall be constructed and maintained to be nonabsorbent(3) All floors shall be kept clean and in good repair.(4) Floor drains shall be provided in all rooms where floors are subjected to flooding-type cleaning or where normal operations release or discharge water or other liquid waste on the floor.(c) Walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings of all rooms shall be clean, smooth, and in good repair.(d) Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided in hand-washing areas, dressing and locker rooms, toilet rooms, and in areas where salvageable or salvaged foods are examined, processed, stored and where equipment or tools are cleaned. (1) Where personnel are inspecting, sorting, or reconditioning distressed food, at least 540 lux (50 foot candles) of light shall be provided at the work surface.(2) At all other areas of the facility where light is required, at least 110 lux (10 foot candles) of light shall be provided when measured at a distance of 30 inches above the floor.(e) Ventilation. (1) All rooms, in which salvageable or salvaged food is reconditioned or utensils are washed, dressing or locker rooms, toilet rooms, and garbage and rubbish storage areas shall be well ventilated.(2) Ventilation hoods and related equipment when used shall be designed to prevent condensation from dripping onto salvageable food or onto work surfaces.(3) Filters, when used, shall be readily removable for cleaning or replacement.(4) Ventilation systems shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local fire prevention and air pollution requirements.(f) Locker area. Adequate facilities shall be provided for the orderly storage of personnel clothing and personal belongings.(g) Cleanliness of facilities. (1) All parts of the salvage establishment or salvage warehouse and its premises shall be kept neat, clean, and free of litter and rubbish.(2) Cleaning operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to prevent contamination of salvageable and salvaged food.(3) None of the operations connected with a salvage establishment or salvage warehouse shall be conducted in any room used as an employee lounge or toilet facility, or living or sleeping quarters.(4) Soiled coats and aprons shall be kept in suitable containers until removed for laundering.(5) No birds or animals shall be allowed in any areas used for the conduct of salvage establishment operations or the storage of salvageable and salvaged food.(h) Vehicles. Vehicles used to transport distressed, salvageable, or salvaged food shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to protect the product from contamination.25 Tex. Admin. Code § 229.548
The provisions of this §229.548 adopted to be effective December 17, 2002, 27 TexReg 11751; amended to be effective January 1, 2005, 29 TexReg 11984