Pennsylvania Code › Title 7 - AGRICULTURE › Part III - Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services › Subpart B - Liquid Foods › Chapter 59a - MILK SANITATION › Subchapter E - MANUFACTURING PLANTS › SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANTS MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING AND PACKAGING INSTANT NONFAT DRY MILK, NONFAT DRY MILK, DRY WHOLE MILK, DRY BUTTERMILK, DRY WHEY AND OTHER DRY MILK PRODUCTS › Section 59a.348 - Operations and operating procedures: Packaging, repackaging and storage

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
Containers.
Packages or containers used for the packaging of
						nonfat dry milk or other dry milk products must be any clean, sound,
						commercially accepted container or packaging material which satisfactorily
						protects the contents through the regular channels of trade, without
						significant impairment of quality with respect to flavor, wholesomeness or
						moisture content under the normal conditions of handling. Packages or
						containers that comply with 21 CFR 177.1520 (relating to
						olefin polymers) are among the packages that meet the requirements of this
						subsection. Containers which have previously been used for nonfood items or
						food which would be deleterious to the dairy product may not be used for the
						bulk handling of dairy products.
(b)
Filling.
Empty
						containers shall be protected from possible contamination and containers which
						are to be lined may not be prepared more than 1 hour in advance of filling.
						Every precaution shall be taken during the filling operation to minimize
						product dust and spillage. When necessary, a mechanical shaker shall be
						provided. The tapping or pounding of containers shall be prohibited. The
						containers shall be closed immediately after filling and the exteriors shall be
						vacuumed or brushed when necessary to render them practically free of product
						remnants before being transferred from the filling room to the palleting or dry
						storage areas.
(c)
Repackaging.
The entire repackaging operation shall be
						conducted in a sanitary manner with all precautions taken to prevent
						contamination and to minimize dust. Exterior surfaces of individual containers
						must be practically free of product before overwrapping or packing in shipping
						containers. The flow shall be kept free of dust accumulation, waste, cartons,
						liners or other refuse. Conveyors, packaging and carton making equipment shall
						be vacuumed frequently during the operating day to prevent the accumulation of
						dust. Bottles or glass materials may not be permitted in the repackaging or
						hopper room. The inlet openings of hoppers and bins must be of minimum size,
						screened and placed well above the floor level. The room and all packaging
						equipment shall be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain a sanitary
						operation. Close attention shall be given to cleaning points of equipment where
						residues of the dry product may accumulate. A thorough clean-up, including
						windows, doors, walls, light fixtures and ledges, shall be performed as
						frequently as is necessary to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and
						sanitation. Waste dry dairy products including dribble product at the fillers
						shall be properly identified and disposed of as animal feed.
(d)
Storage.
Storage shall
						be as follows:
(1)
Product.
The packaged dry milk product must be stored or arranged in aisles, rows or
						sections and lots at least 18 inches from a wall and in an orderly, easily
						accessible manner for inspection or for cleaning of the room. Bags and small
						containers of products must be placed on pallets elevated approximately 6
						inches from the floor. The storage room shall be kept clean and dry and all
						openings protected against entrance of insects and rodents.
(2)
Supplies.
Supplies must
						be placed on dunnage or pallets and arranged in an orderly manner for
						accessibility and cleaning of the room. Supplies must be kept enclosed in their
						original wrapping material until used. After removal of supplies from their
						original containers, they must be kept in an enclosed metal cabinet, bins or on
						shelving, and if not enclosed shall be protected from powder and dust or other
						contamination. The room shall be vacuumed as often as necessary and kept clean
						and orderly.