15A NCAC 18A .0402      GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATION

(a)  Shellfish dealers shall provide mechanical refrigeration that is capable of maintaining an ambient temperature of 45°F or less and be sized to handle one day's production. The mechanical refrigeration shall include an automatic temperature regulating control and be equipped with an accurate, operating thermometer in the refrigerated storage area. If the sole means of refrigeration is a portable unit, that unit shall be capable of operating utilizing alternating current electrical power that will allow the unit to be plugged into a power supply during transport and at the certified facility.

(b)  Food contact surfaces shall be easily cleanable, corrosion-resistant, constructed of non-toxic and food-grade materials, and shall be kept in good repair. Shellfish dealers shall only use food contact surface equipment that conforms to standards found in the guidance document within the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish, Section II: Model Ordinance titled "Shellfish Industry Equipment Construction Guide", which is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. A copy of the reference material can be found at https://www.fda.gov/food/federalstate-food-programs/national-shellfish-sanitation-program-nssp at no cost.

(c)  Food contact surfaces of equipment, utensils, and containers shall be cleaned at the end of each day or operation and shall be sanitized prior to the start-up of each day's activities. Food contact surfaces shall also be cleaned and sanitized following any interruption during which the surfaces have become contaminated.

(d)  Non-food contact surfaces such as equipment, floors, walls, ceilings, and windows shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(e)  Wheelbarrows, measures, baskets, shovels, and other implements used in the handling of shellstock shall not be used for any other purpose and shall be cleaned prior to use.

(f)  Shellfish dealers shall provide a temperature measuring device accurate to +/- 2°F for use in monitoring product temperatures.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-182; 113-221.2; 143B-289.52;

Eff. February 1, 1987;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2024.