Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL
Chapter 344 - FOOD STORAGE WAREHOUSES
Section 001-344-5 - Protection of Stored Foods

A. The operator shall take all reasonable measures to protect the area where food is kept or stored in a food storage warehouse against the entrance into the establishment, and the breeding or presence on the premises, of rodents, birds, flies, roaches, weevils, and other vermin.

B. No dogs, cats, fowl, birds, or any other type animal shall be permitted in a food warehouse establishment.

C. When in use, rodenticides shall be placed in covered bait boxes where necessary as to prevent spillage or possible contamination of stored food and danger to employees. The bait boxes shall be properly labeled with a warning notice. All rodenticide baits shall be applied in such manner as to prevent contamination of stored food products.

D. All pesticides and rodenticides used for control of vermin shall be registered pursuant to the Maine Pesticide Control Act of 1975, 7 MRSA §601 to §624, and applied in such manner as to protect stored foods from contamination and be applied in accordance with labeled instruction.

E. Cleaning materials, pesticides, rodenticides or any other such hazardous substances used in the operation of a warehouse shall be stored in properly labeled containers in a closed closet or cabinet in a separate area from food products.

F. When a licensed pest control service is employed, it shall file at the warehouse a diagram of the bait station locations and the rodenticide in use. The operator may designate an employee to be responsible for the pest control program being used.

G. No overhead waste drain pipes or other overhead piping shall be used which presents a risk of contamination to foods stored below due to excess condensation. Protective shields may be used to eliminate this risk.

H. Storage methods shall be used which will minimize deterioration and prevent contamination of stored food products. Shelves, cabinets, dunnage and pallets shall be used where necessary to protect stored food products from contamination or deterioration.

I. Skids or pallets shall provide a minimum of 6" clearance above the floor to facilitate cleaning and for movement of air in refrigerated storage areas.

J. Merchandise stored on skids or pallets shall be at least 18" away from any wall.

K. Construction of shelving, cabinets and storage methods used shall be such as to permit ready access for cleaning and sanitary inspection.

L. Bagged animal feeds shall be stored so as not to be intermingled with the storage of human food products. Storage on separate pallets is acceptable.