Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL
Chapter 343 - FOOD PROCESSING AND MANUFACTURING
Section 001-343-7 - Processes and Controls

A. Raw materials and ingredients received in bulk or enclosed containers shall be inspected on receipt and segregated as necessary to assure that they are clean, wholesome and fit for processing into human food. They shall be stored under conditions which will protect against contamination and deterioration.

B. Containers and carriers of raw materials shall be inspected on receipt to assure that their condition has not contributed to contamination or deterioration of the product.

C. Any ice used in contact with the product shall be made from potable water and manufactured in accordance with adequate standards. It shall be stored, transported and handled in a sanitary manner.

D. Food processing areas and equipment used for the processing of human food shall not be used in the processing of animal feed or inedible products unless such use cannot result in the contamination of human food.

E. Processing equipment shall be maintained in a sanitary condition through frequent cleaning and shall be sanitized where necessary.

F. Chemical, microbiological or extraneous testing procedures shall be utilized where necessary to identify sanitation failures or food adulterants.

G. Packaging processes or materials shall not transmit contaminants or objectionable substance to the product.

H. Processors and manufacturers shall keep records and code products so as to enable them to identify specific food lots affected by contamination, spoilage or by sanitation failure and shall separate each lot from non-affected.

I. Finished products shall be stored and transported under conditions which will preclude all contamination and protect against deterioration of the product and the container.