§ 16.60.250. Food processing plant.

A.

In addition to the other applicable requirements of this chapter, the operator of a food processing plant shall comply with this section.

B.

The operator of a food processing plant may not use a packaging process or material that may:

1.

Transmit a contaminant or objectionable material to the food;

2.

Impart additives;

3.

Fail to prevent food contamination; or

4.

Allow the growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms.

C.

In addition to the labeling requirements listed in 2013 FDA Model Food Code paragraph 3-201.11(C), the owner or operator of a food processing plant shall ensure food products made by the processor are labeled:

1.

With a lot number or other code allowing production lots to be identified in the event the food is recalled, contaminated, or otherwise found to be unfit for human consumption. The operator shall keep lot records for a period exceeding the shelf life of the product by six months, or for two years, whichever is less.

2.

So known allergens, including fish, tree nuts, mollusks, wheat, milk crustacea, eggs, and legumes (particularly peanuts and soybeans) used in food product formulations are declared on the label, even if a processing or incidental additive. The name of the ingredient may be accompanied by a parenthetical statement such as "processing aid" for clarity.

3.

So all foods in reduced oxygen packaging relying on refrigeration as a barrier to microbial growth must bear the statement "Important — Must be kept refrigerated at 41°" or "Important — Must be kept frozen," in the case of foods relying on freezing as a primary safety barrier.

4.

So each container of food in reduced oxygen packaging must bear a "use-by" date. This date cannot exceed 14 days from retail packaging or repackaging without further variance granted by the regulatory authority. The date assigned to a repackaged food cannot extend beyond the manufacturer's recommended "pull date" for the food. The "use-by" date must be listed on the principal display panel in bold type on a contrasting background.

D.

The operator of a food processing plant shall develop and maintain procedures for notifying the department and consumers of a product recall and shall implement those procedures for any product the operator or the department knows or has reason to believe might cause illness, injury, or gross consumer deception.

(AO No. 2009-40(S), § 1, 7-21-09; AO No. 2009-102, § 1, 8-25-09, eff. 1-1-10; AO No. 2017-162 , § 24, 12-19-17)