Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 51 - PUBLIC HEALTH-SANITARY CODE
Part VI - Manufacturing, Processing, Packing and Holding of Food, Drugs and Cosmetics
Chapter 1 - General Regulations, Definitions, Permits, Registration, Machinery, Equipment and Utensils, Premises and Buildings, Temperature Control
Section VI-129 - Laboratory Test Reporting Requirements and Additional Test Mandate

A. When a person or firm operating a food processing plant in the state of Louisiana receives information from an in-house or external laboratory analyzing samples or specimens of finished foods or finished ingredients which indicates a confirmed positive test result signifying that the food or ingredient may be adulterated (in accordance with the definitions provided in R.S. 40:607, et seq.) or may otherwise constitute an imminent health hazard, the person or firm shall report this confirmed positive test result to representatives of the Food and Drug Unit of the Office of Public Health of the Department of Health and Hospitals within 24 hours of obtaining such information.

B. The state health officer may, based upon a demonstration of probable cause by the Department of Health and Hospitals indicating that a food processing plant is producing food which may be adulterated (in accordance with the definitions provided in R.S. 40:607 et seq.) or in such a manner as to cause an imminent health hazard, order the food processing plant to submit samples to a laboratory specified by the department for testing at the food processing facility's expense. A copy of the written or electronic results of such testing, including a reference to test methods used, shall be furnished by the food processing plant or by the laboratory to the department as soon as a confirmed test result (either positive or negative) is available but no later than 24 hours of obtaining such information.

C. Any person or firm operating a food processing plant that violates the provisions of this Section shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than $1,000.