SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
PLANTS MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING
AND PACKAGING PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE AND RELATED PRODUCTS
§ 59a.381. Equipment and utensils.
(a) General construction, repair and installation. The equipment and utensils used for the handling and processing of cheese products must be as specified in § 59a.304 (relating to equipment and utensils). In addition, for certain other equipment the requirements in this section shall be met.
(b) Conveyors. Conveyors must be constructed of material which can be properly cleaned, will not rust, or otherwise contaminate the cheese, and shall be maintained in good repair.
(c) Grinders or shredders. The grinders or shredders used in the preparation of the trimmed and cleaned natural cheese for the cookers must be adequate in size. Product contact surfaces must be of corrosion resistant material, and of a construction to prevent contamination of the cheese and to allow thorough cleaning of all parts and product contact surfaces.
(d) Cookers. The cookers must be the steam jacketed or direct steam type. The cookers must be constructed of stainless steel or other equally corrosion resistant material. Product contact surfaces must be readily accessible for cleaning. Each cooker must be equipped with an indicating thermometer and a temperature recording device. Steam check valves on direct steam type cookers must be mounted flush with cooker wall, constructed of stainless steel and designed to prevent the backup of product into the steam line, or the steam line must be constructed of stainless steel pipes and fittings which can be readily cleaned. If direct steam is applied to the product, only culinary steam shall be used.
(e) Fillers. The hoppers of all fillers must be covered but the cover may have sight ports. If necessary, the hopper may have an agitator to prevent buildup on side wall. The filler valves and head shall be kept in good repair, capable of accurate measurements.
Cross References This section cited in 7 Pa. Code § 59a.304 (relating to equipment and utensils).
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