15A NCAC 18A .0416      PERSONAL HYGIENE

(a)  All employees shall wash their hands thoroughly with soap and running water before beginning work and again after each interruption or if their hands may have become soiled or contaminated. Hand washing signs shall be posted by the owner or responsible individual at each hand washing facility in a language understood by employees.

(b)  All individuals employed or engaged in the shucking, packing, or repacking of shellfish shall wear clean, washable outer clothing. Clean plastic or rubber aprons, overalls, and rubber gloves shall be considered satisfactory.

(c)  All individuals employed or engaged in the shucking, packing, or repacking of shellfish shall wear hair restraints and have clean fingernails free from nail polish and that are short enough to not extend past the fingertips. Employees shall not wear jewelry other than easily cleanable rings. The use of absorbent wraps or absorbent finger cots shall not be permitted.

(d)  Employees shall not eat, drink, use electronic cigarettes or vaping products, or use tobacco in any form in the rooms where shellfish are stored, processed, or handled.

(e)  An individual known to be a carrier of any disease that can be transmitted through the handling of shellfish or who has an infected wound or open lesion on any exposed portion of the body shall be prohibited from handling shellfish or coming into contact with food contact surfaces.

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

Eff. February 1, 1987;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2024.