But, if we are able to inspect the processor or vessel and it does not make itself available to be inspected, then we may hold up issuing the permit until we can do the inspection. In other words, if we can t be there, we ll work with you. If you make it impossible for us to do an inspection, your permit may be delayed until the inspection can be done. Yes, if they smoke or thermally process seafood. The department s regulations cover custom smoking and thermal processing because of the dangers inherent in these two processes if not properly done.
State law makes no distinction between commercial and custom processing.
By permitting the high-risk custom processors, we can ensure they are following the same safety standards as other commercial processors. After all, if there was a food-borne illness from a custom processed seafood product, the economic fallout would affect all Alaska processors. Also, if we did not permit custom processors, anyone with a home canner or smoker could set up shop, whether they knew what they were doing or not. However, we do expect a custom processor to reject fish that are obviously contaminated. For example, we d expect a custom processor to reject a fish contaminated with fuel oil.