Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
ATCP 55-89 - Food, Lodging, and Recreation Safety
Chapter ATCP 81 - Cheese Grading, Packaging And Labeling
Subchapter VIII - Wisconsin Cheese Logotype
Section ATCP 81.81 - Registration

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง ATCP 81.81

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) No person shall use or affix the official logotype on any cheese, or its wrapper or container, without first registering with the department and obtaining a permit authorizing its use in connection with the manufacture, labeling and sale of Wisconsin cheese. Applications for registration shall include the business name and address of the manufacturer or labeler and such other information concerning use of the logotype as required by the department. Persons authorized to use the official logotype shall be issued an identification number for use in the logotype. In the case of a manufacturer, the number shall be the same as the factory number previously assigned. The number assigned shall be centered directly below the word "WISCONSIN" in the bottom portion of the map as specified under s. ATCP 81.80.

(2) Permits shall be issued without the payment of any fee and be valid for a period of 2 years after date of issuance, and may be renewed for like periods upon expiration thereof and qualification of the applicant. The department shall grant or deny a permit application within 20 business days after the application is filed with the department, provided that the application is accompanied by all requisite information and documentation. Permits may be denied, suspended or revoked if the logotype is used contrary to requirements of this chapter or the permit holder uses or aids or abets the use of the logotype on cheese not manufactured in this state. Registrants shall at all times keep the department informed of any changes in plant operations affecting use of the logotype.

(3)

(a) The official logotype may be affixed to and used on cheese manufactured in this state meeting the grade standards of "WISCONSIN CERTIFIED PREMIUM GRADE AA," "WISCONSIN GRADE A" or "WISCONSIN STATE BRAND" if the cheese is one for which grade standards have been adopted under this chapter. The official logotype may also be used on cheese, manufactured in this state, which is given a score of 92 or better under par. (b) if the cheese is one for which no grade standards have been adopted by the department. The official logotype may not be used on any cheese other than cheese identified under this paragraph. Cheese shall be graded by graders licensed under s. 97.17, Stats.

(b) Cheese for which no separate grade standards have been adopted by the department shall be scored on basis of a 100 point scale in accordance with weighted values as specified herein for each of the separate factors to be considered in determining the quality of the cheese. Points shall be deducted according to the degree to which defects are found in the quality factors affecting the cheese. Cheese shall be scored on basis of the following weighted point value factors:

Flavor 40 points

Body & Texture 35 points

Color 10 points

Makeup & Appearance 10 points

Salt 5 points

(c) Testing techniques and standards used in grading cheese for which standards have been adopted by the department shall be used in scoring cheese for which no grade standards have been adopted.

(d) Cheese on which the logotype is to be used shall be manufactured in this state entirely from milk produced under and meeting sanitary and quality standards equal to or greater than those established under s. 97.24, Stats., or rules adopted thereunder for the production and distribution of milk, and which conforms to all applicable standards and requirements of ch. 97, Stats., relating to the manufacturing, labeling and sale of cheese.

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