<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 10.15.08.07" title_num="10" subtitle_num="15" chapter_num="08" heading="Sanitation Inspection Standards for a Plant.">
  <text>A plant shall meet the sanitation inspection standards set forth in this regulation:</text>
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Floor — Construction.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The floor of each room in which product containers, utensils, equipment, milk, or cheese products are handled, processed, packaged, stored, or washed shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Constructed of concrete or other equally impervious and easily cleanable material; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Smooth, properly sloped, provided with trapped drains, and kept in good repair.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Floor drains are not required in cold storage rooms used for storing milk and cheese products when the floor is sloped to drain to one or more exits.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A storage room for storing dry ingredients, packaged dry ingredients, and packaging materials may have:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Floor drains; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Floors constructed of tightly joined wood.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Wall and Ceiling — Construction. The wall and ceiling of each room in which milk or cheese products is handled, processed, packaged, or stored shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Have a smooth, washable, light colored surface; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Be in good repair.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Door and Window.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The plant shall provide effective means to prevent access by insects and rodents.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An opening to the outside shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Have solid doors or glazed windows; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Be closed during weather conditions that may result in particulate matter entering the facility.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Lighting and Ventilation. Each room shall be well lit and well ventilated where:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Milk and cheese products are:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Handled;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Processed;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Packaged; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Stored; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Milk containers, utensils, and equipment are washed.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Separate Room.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>There shall be a separate room for:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Receiving farmstead cheese;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Processing farmstead cheese;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Cooling farmstead cheese;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Aging farmstead cheese;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Packaging farmstead cheese; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Cleaning raw milk cans and containers brought in from the farm.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A room may not open directly into a stable or room used for a domestic purpose where:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Milk or a farmstead cheese product is:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Received;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Handled;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Processed;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>Stored; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>Packaged; or</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Containers, utensils, or equipment are washed or stored.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A room shall be of sufficient size for their intended purposes.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Each designated area or room shall be provided for receiving, handling, and storage of a returned packaged or farmstead cheese not suitable for sale.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Toilet Sewage Disposal Facility.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Each toilet facility shall conform to the regulations of the local health department.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Each toilet facility may not open directly into a room where milk or cheese products are processed.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Each toilet facility shall be completely enclosed and have a tight fitting, self-closing door.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Each dressing room, toilet room, and fixture shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Kept in a clean condition;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Kept in good repair;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Well ventilated; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Well lit.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Sewage and other liquid waste shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Water Supply. Water for plant purposes shall be:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>From a supply properly located, protected, and operated;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Easily accessible;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Adequate; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Of a safe, sanitary quality.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>Handwashing Facility. A hand washing facility shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Either:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Hot and cold running water; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Warm running water;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Soap; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Individual sanitary towels.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Be kept in a clean condition and in good repair.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>Plant Cleanliness.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A room shall be kept clean, neat, and free of evidence of insects and rodents where:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Milk and a farmstead cheese product is:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Handled;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Processed; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Stored; or</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Containers, utensils, or equipment are washed or stored.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Only equipment directly related to processing operations or the handling of containers, utensils, and equipment shall be permitted in a room where:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Receiving;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Processing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Cooling;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Aging;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Packaging;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Bulk milk is stored; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>A cheese product is stored.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="J.">
    <text>Sanitary Piping.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The material of a sanitary piping fitting and connection exposed to milk, cheese products, or liquids drawn into milk and cheese products shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Smooth;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Impervious;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Corrosion resistant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Nontoxic;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Easy cleanable; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>An approved surface for food product contact.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>All piping shall be in good repair.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="K.">
    <text>Construction and Repair of Containers and Equipment.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A multiuse container and equipment that milk and a farmstead cheese product comes into contact with shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Constructed of smooth, impervious, corrosion resistant, and nontoxic material;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Constructed for ease of cleaning; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Maintained in good repair.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A single service container, closure, gasket, and other article that milk and a farmstead cheese product come in contact with shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Nontoxic; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Manufactured, packaged, transported, and handled in a sanitary manner.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Articles intended for single service use may not be reused.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="L.">
    <text>Clean and Sanitation of Containers and Equipment.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The contact surface of a multiuse container, utensil, and equipment used in the farmstead cheese process from receiving through packaging shall, before each use, be effectively cleaned and sanitized.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Sanitization:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>May not adversely affect the equipment, the milk or milk product, or the health of consumers; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Shall be acceptable to the Department.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A cloth used for cheese making shall be cleaned and sanitized at intervals, and in accordance with the Department.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="M.">
    <text>Storage of Cleaned Containers and Equipment. After cleaning, a multiuse milk or farmstead cheese product container, utensil, and equipment shall be:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Transported and stored to assure complete drainage; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Protected from contamination before use.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="N.">
    <text>Storage of Single Service Containers, Utensils, and Materials. A wrap, liner, bag, container, gasket, and other single service article in contact with milk and a farmstead cheese product shall be:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Purchased and stored in a sanitary tube, wrapping, or carton;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Kept in a clean, dry place until used; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Handled in a sanitary manner.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="O.">
    <text>Protection from Contamination.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The facility, plant operation, and equipment shall be located and used in a manner to prevent contamination of a milk and farmstead cheese product, ingredient, container, utensil, and equipment.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A milk or a farmstead cheese product ingredient shall be discarded if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Spilt;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Overflowing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Leaking; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Dropped or has fallen onto an unsanitized contact surface or nonproduct contact surface.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The processing or handling of a product other than milk or a farmstead cheese product in the plant, shall be performed to preclude the contamination of such milk and farmstead cheese products.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The storage, handling, and use of a poisonous or toxic material shall be performed to preclude the contamination of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A milk and a farmstead cheese product;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An ingredient of milk and a farmstead cheese product; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The product contact surface of a container, utensil, and equipment.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="P.">
    <text>Cross Contamination.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>During processing, a pipeline and equipment used to contain or conduct milk and a farmstead cheese product shall be effectively separated from each tank or circuit containing cleaning or sanitizing solutions.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Separation shall be accomplished by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Physically disconnecting a connection point between each tank or circuit containing a cleaning or sanitizing solution from a pipeline and equipment used to contain or conduct a milk or farmstead cheese product; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A method approved by the Department.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The farmstead cheese processor shall provide a means to prevent contamination of milk and a farmstead cheese product, container, utensil, and equipment from dripping, spillage, and splash from an overhead piping, platform, or mezzanine.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A product that may create a public health hazard may not be handled in the plant.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Permission to handle a product other than farmstead cheese or to conduct an operation in equipment or a room, other than those designated, shall be provisional and subject to revocation if found objectionable.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="Q.">
    <text>Raw Milk Cooling and Farmstead Cheese Processing.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Raw milk shall be maintained at 7ºC (45ºF) or less until processed.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Farmstead cheese shall meet the definition of a hard cheese as found in 21 CFR 133.150 which states hard cheese:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Contains not more than 39 percent of moisture; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Solids contain not less than 50 percent of milk fat, as determined by the methods prescribed in 21 CFR 133.5(a), (b), and (d).</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Farmstead cheese shall be cured at a temperature of not less than 35°F for not less than 60 days.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="R.">
    <text>Personnel Sanitation.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An individual shall wash their hands thoroughly before commencing a plant function and as often as may be required to remove soil and contamination.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An employee may not resume work after visiting the toilet room without thoroughly washing their hands.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An individual shall wear clean outer garments while engaged in the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Handling of raw milk and ingredients;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Processing of a farmstead cheese product;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Storage of a farmstead cheese product;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Transportation of a farmstead cheese product;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Packaging of a farmstead cheese product; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Handling of a container, utensil, and equipment.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>An individual, while engaged in the processing of milk or a farmstead cheese product, shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Wear an adequate hair covering;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Abstain from tobacco use;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Wear clean and sanitized footwear;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Maintain trim and clean fingernails and not wear false fingernails; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Abstain from any activity that may contaminate food.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The farmstead cheese processor shall ensure that education and training is provided to an employee in:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Food processing and handling;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Personal hygiene; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Plant sanitation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="S.">
    <text>Vehicles.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A vehicle used for the transportation of raw milk and a farmstead cheese product shall be constructed and operated so that the milk and the farmstead cheese product is maintained at 7ºC (45ºF) or less and is protected from contamination.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A vehicle used to transport milk and a farmstead cheese product may not be used to transport or contain a substance that may be toxic or harmful to humans.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="T.">
    <text>Surroundings. Plant surroundings shall be kept neat, clean, and free from conditions which:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Attract or harbor flies, other insects, or rodents; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Otherwise constitute a nuisance.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>