Section 370IAC1-10-1. Shell egg packers

   (a) This section establishes minimum sanitation and operating requirements for shell egg grading plants engaged in grading, storage, packaging, and distribution of eggs.

  (b) Buildings shall be of sound construction so as to prevent the entrance or harboring of vermin.

  (c) All areas and rooms in which eggs are handled, graded, and packed shall be kept clean.

  (d) Cooler rooms shall be free from objectionable odors, such as mustiness or a rotten odor, and shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition.

  (e) Egg cleaning equipment shall be kept in good repair and shall be thoroughly cleaned after each day's use or more often if necessary to maintain a sanitary condition. The wash water shall be potable and maintained at a temperature of ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit minimum. The wash water temperature must be at least twenty (20) degrees Fahrenheit greater than the egg temperature. The wash water shall be replaced frequently, a minimum of once a day, and the detergent and sanitizer shall be kept at an effective level at all times.

  (f) During any rest period, or at anytime when the equipment is not in operation, the eggs shall be removed from the washing and rinsing area of the egg washer and from the scanning area whenever there is a build-up of heat.

  (g) Only approved cleaning and sanitizing compounds may be used in shell egg processing plants. To assure that only compounds are used for the purpose intended, plant management must provide the inspector, upon request, with a written guaranty stating that each compound used in the shell egg processing plant complies with federal food laws and regulations and can be legally used in the shell egg processing plant for the purpose intended. Washed eggs shall be reasonably dry before containing or casing. (State Egg Board; 370 IAC 1-10-1; filed Feb 3, 1987, 2:00 p.m.: 10 IR 1226; filed Feb 12, 1993, 5:00 p.m.: 16 IR 1777; readopted filed Nov 7, 2001, 3:22 p.m.: 25 IR 937; filed Jan 2, 2003, 10:03 a.m.: 26 IR 1546; readopted filed Sep 2, 2009, 11:37 a.m.: 20090930-IR-370090393RFA; readopted filed Aug 21, 2015, 10:57 a.m.: 20150916-IR-370150168RFA)