Okla. Admin. Code § 35:37-11-70

Current through Vol. 42, No. 8, January 2, 2025

Section 35:37-11-70 - Tapeworm cysts in bovidae

(a) Carcasses of bovidae affected with tapeworm cysts shall be disposed of as follows:

(1) Carcasses of bovidae infected with tapeworm cysts shall be condemned if the infestation is excessive or if the meat is watery or discolored. Carcasses shall be considered excessively infested if incisions in various parts of the musculature expose one or more cysts on most of the cut surfaces.

(2) Carcasses of bovidae in which tapeworm cyst infestation is limited to one dead and degenerated cyst may be passed for human food after removal and condemnation of the cyst.

(3) Carcasses of bovidae showing a slight or moderate tapeworm cyst infestation other than that indicated in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection but not so extensive as indicated in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, as determined by a careful examination of the heart, muscles of mastication, diaphragm and its pillars, tongue, and portions of the carcass rendered visible by the process of dressing, may be passed for human food after removal and condemnation of the cysts with surrounding tissues: Provided, that the carcasses, appropriately identified by the Oklahoma Retained tags, are held in cold storage at a temperature not higher than 15° F. continuously for a period of not less than 10 days: And provided further, that the boned meat from the carcasses when in boxes, tierces, or other containers, appropriately identified by Oklahoma Retained tags, is held at a temperature of not higher than 15° F. continuously for a period of not less than 20 days. As an alternative to retention in cold storage as provided in this Paragraph, the carcasses and meat may be heated throughout to a temperature of at least 140° F.

(b) The edible viscera of carcasses passed for human food or passed for human food after refrigeration or heating under Subsection (a), Paragraphs (2) or (3) of this Section may be passed for human food without refrigeration or heating if they are found to be free from cysts on final inspection. This shall not include the lungs, fat, muscles of the oesophagus, and the heart, which shall be disposed of in the same manner as the rest of the carcasses under Subsection (a) of this Section. The intestines, oesophagi, and bladders from bovidae carcasses affected with tapeworm cysts that have been passed for human food or passed for human food after refrigeration or heating under Subsection (a), Paragraphs (2) or (3) of this Section may be used for casings after they have been subjected to the usual method of preparation. They may be used for the purpose upon completion of the final inspection of the carcasses.

Okla. Admin. Code § 35:37-11-70

Added at 21 Ok Reg 1181, eff 5-27-04