Florida Administrative Code
5 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
5K - Division of Food Safety
Chapter 5K-4 - FOOD
Section 5K-4.029 - Tomato Packing House
Universal Citation: FL Admin Code R 5K-4.029
Current through Reg. 50, No. 249, December 24, 2024
(1) Purpose.
(a) This rule establishes inspection
procedures and best management practices to enhance the safety of fresh
tomatoes packed or repacked in tomato packing houses in Florida, as provided by
Chapters 500 and 570, F.S.
(b) In
addition to the requirements in statute, Chapters 500 and 570, F.S., and
applicable Department rules in Chapters 5K-4 and 5G-6, F.A.C., tomato packers
and repackers shall comply with the following rules.
(2) Definitions.
(a) "Department" means the Florida Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
(b) "T-BMP" means Tomato Best Management
Practices as specified in The Tomato Best Practices Manual as adopted and
incorporated by reference in Department Rule
5G-6.009, F.A.C.
(c) "Tomato Packing House" means any
establishment that washes, packs, or otherwise treats tomatoes in their
unpeeled, natural form before they are marketed.
(3) Inspection.
(a) Regulatory inspections will be performed
as frequently as needed to verify adherence to The Tomato Best Practices Manual
for product packed or repacked and will be performed at least once annually in
packing houses by the Department.
(b) Tomato packers and repackers shall comply
with the requirements specified in The Tomato Best Practices Manual, as adopted
and incorporated by reference in Department Rule
5G-6.009, F.A.C. A copy of this
document may be obtained by contacting the Division of Fruit and Vegetables by
mail at P. O. Box 1072, Winter Haven, Florida 33881-3403, by telephone at
(863)291-5820, or, electronically through the Department Internet website at
www.doacs.state.fl.us/fruits/.
(c)
Tomato Packing Houses are exempt from compliance with the provisions of
chapters 3 through 7 of the "FDA Food Code" as adopted in this rule chapter,
paragraph 5K-4.002(4)(b),
F.A.C.
(d) A handwashing sink
supplied with running water shall be maintained within a tomato packing house
so that it is accessible at all times for employee use and such sinks may not
be used for purposes other than handwashing. Food employees shall use the
designated handwash sink to wash their hands as specified in Chapter 2 of the
FDA Food Code.
(e) Tomatoes in
tomato packing houses shall be protected from contamination after rinsing or
sanitization by storing the tomatoes in a clean, dry location where exposure to
splash, dust, or other contamination is minimized. Tomatoes may not be stored:
1. In locker rooms;
2. In toilet rooms;
3. In dressing rooms;
4. In garbage rooms;
5. In mechanical rooms;
6. Under sewer lines that are not shielded to
intercept potential drips;
7. Under
leaking water lines or under lines on which water has condensed;
8. Under open stairwells; or
9. Under other sources of
contamination.
Rulemaking Authority 500.09(1)(b), (3), (4), 500.12(1)(f), 570.07(6), 570.07(23) FS. Law Implemented 500.03(1)(j), (n), 500.09(1)(b), (4), 500.12(1)(f), 570.48(2)(e) FS.
New 3-1-09.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Florida may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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