Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 21 - Agriculture and Land Stewardship Department
Chapter 36 - Egg Handlers
Rule 21-36.3 - Minimum Sanitation and Operating Requirements

(1) Buildings shall be of sound construction so as to prevent the entrance or harboring of insects, rodents, or vermin. Floors shall be of washable materials and kept clean and floor drains provided where necessary. Walls and ceilings shall be of cleanable material and be kept clean and in good repair

(2) All areas and rooms in which eggs are handled, graded, and packed shall be kept reasonably clean during working hours and shall be thoroughly cleaned at the end of each operating day. Cartons and cases shall be stored off the floor and storage areas kept clean and dry.

(3) Cooler rooms shall be free from objectionable odors, such as mustiness or a rotten odor, and shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition.

(4) Egg cleaning equipment shall be kept in good repair and shall be thoroughly cleaned after each day's use or more often if necessary to maintain a sanitary condition. The wash water shall be potable and maintained at a temperature of 90°F minimum. The wash water temperature must be at least 20°F greater than the egg temperature. The wash water shall be replaced frequently, and the detergent and sanitizer shall be kept at an effective level at all times. During any rest period, or at any time when the equipment is not in operation, the eggs shall be removed from the washing and rinsing area of the egg washer and from the scanning area whenever there is a buildup of heat.

(5) All eggs not cleaned as stated in subrule 36.3(4) must be properly washed and sanitized prior to placement in a carton or container for distribution in a site or operation that provides or prepares food for human consumption.

(6) Facilities for hand washing, Cornplete with hot and cold potable water under pressure, shall be provided. Hand soap, sanitary towels, or a hand-drying device providing heated air shall be conveniently located near the hand-washing area.

(7) Live animals shall be excluded from the plant or portion of the plant in which shell eggs or egg products are handled or stored.

(8) Only United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or federally approved cleaning Cornpounds and sanitizers may be used. The following substances used in the plant shall be approved and handled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions: pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides, cleaning Cornpounds, foam control Cornpounds, sanitizers, and inks and oils Corning into contact with the product. These products shall be properly stored and segregated.

(9) A separate refuse room or a designated area for the accumulation of trash must be provided. There shall be a sufficient number of containers to hold trash, which must be maintained in good repair, kept covered when not in use, and cleaned at a frequency to prevent insect and rodent attraction.

(10) Washed eggs must be reasonably dry before being placed in cartons or cases.