La. Admin. Code tit. 51 § VI-313

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section VI-313 - Plant Construction and Design [formerly paragraph 6:057]

A. Plant buildings and structures shall be suitable in size, construction, and design to facilitate maintenance and sanitary operations for food-processing purposes. The plant and facilities shall comply with the following paragraphs.

1. [formerly paragraph 6:058] Provide sufficient space for such placement of equipment and storage of materials as is necessary for sanitary operations and production of safe food. Floors, walls, and ceilings in the plant shall be of such construction as to be readily cleanable and shall be kept clean and in good repair. Fixtures, ducts, and pipes that drip or produce condensate may contaminate foods, raw materials or food-contact surfaces, and shall not be suspended over working areas. Aisles or working spaces between equipment and walls shall be unobstructed and of sufficient width to permit employees to perform their duties without contamination of food or food contact surfaces with clothing or personal contact.

2. [formerly paragraph 6:059] Provide separation by partition, location, or other effective means for those operations which may cause contamination of food products with undesirable microorganisms, chemicals, filth or other extraneous material.

3. [formerly paragraph 6:060] Provide at least 40 foot-candles of lighting to hand washing areas, dressing and locker rooms, and toilet rooms and to all areas where food or food ingredients are examined, processed, or stored and where equipment and utensils are cleaned. Light bulbs, fixtures, skylights, or other glass suspended over exposed food in any step of preparation shall be of the safety type or otherwise protected to prevent food contamination in case of breakage.

4. [formerly paragraph 6:061] Provide adequate ventilation or control equipment to minimize odors and noxious fumes or vapors (including steam) in areas where they may contaminate food. Such ventilation or control equipment shall not create conditions that may contribute to food contamination by airborne contaminants.

5. [formerly paragraph 6:062] Provide, where necessary, effective screening or other protection against birds, animals, and vermin (including, but not limited to, insects and rodents).

La. Admin. Code tit. 51, § VI-313

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, LR 28:1235 (June 2002).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 40:4(A)(1)(a). Also see R.S. 40:601 et seq.