216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-50-10-4.6

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 216-RICR-50-10-4.6 - SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS FOR MEAT AND POULTRY SLAUGHTER AND PROCESSING

A. All persons operating within Rhode Island for the purpose of slaughtering any animal for human consumption, or for canning, curing, smoking, salting, packing, rendering, or handling the carcass of any animal or part of the carcass, or for the manufacturing of any meat product or meat food product, must obtain a permit from RIDOH.

B. All persons who operate a meat or poultry slaughter and/or processing facility shall comply with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 21-11 and these Regulations.

4.6.1SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO A FARM WAREHOUSE (Meat Products)

A. A farm warehouse shall not further process any meat items. This includes, but is not limited to, opening packages and handling exposed product, relabeling product, applying net weights or repackaging product.

B. A farm warehouse shall:

1. Register with the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the USDA as a meat handler pursuant to 9 C.F.R. § 320.5 and comply with all applicable USDA requirements;

2. Register with RIDOH as a food business;

3. Utilize only slaughtering and processing facilities approved by the USDA and operated in compliance with 21 U.S.C. §§ 601 through 695;

4. Ensure that all meat products are handled and stored under acceptable conditions/ practices which will prevent unsanitary conditions and the misbranding and/or adulteration of the meat products;

5. Ensure that storage units, such as coolers or freezers, are:

a. Dedicated for the meat products that will be offered for sale; and

b. Indoors, clean, in good repair and can keep meat products frozen or below 41°F (5°C);

6. Ensure that vehicles, refrigerators and/or chest type freezers used for transport of fresh or frozen meat products are in good working condition, able to keep meat products frozen or below 41°F (5°C), designed to prevent unsanitary conditions and capable of maintaining all meat products in a safe, wholesome condition.

C. Notwithstanding the requirements of these Regulations, a farm warehouse shall only be required to ensure that any water that contacts food-contact surfaces is safe and of adequate sanitary quality.

216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-50-10-4.6