32.12.301    FRESH FANCY QUALITY OR FRESH FANCY AA GRADES: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION

(1) Each packing station or plant must have a satisfactory procurement and distribution program including, but not limited to, the following requirements at the farm and retail store level as applicable.

(2) Eggs from each flock must be packed separately and the shipping cases marked so as to facilitate segregation at the packing station. A flock consists of birds not varying in age by more than 60 days. In operations with a continuous replacement procedure, such as in cage operations, birds must be grouped together in accordance with the above requirement.

(3) Eggs must be gathered from the nest at least twice and preferably three times daily.

(4) All eggs must be cleaned in accordance with the applicable provisions of ARM 32.12.605. Eggs may be treated by oil dipping, oil spraying, or oil-emulsion spraying; provided, that methods used will not cause objectionable cloudiness in the whites. Oil treating and cleaning operations must be in compliance with the sanitary requirements of ARM 32.12.604.

(5) Eggs must be cooled promptly after gathering to 50�F. or below and held at a reasonably constant temperature not to exceed 55�F. and at a relative humidity of approxi-mately 70%. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the temperature of the eggs may rise to 70�F. during washing and packaging operations provided the eggs are moved promptly to a cooler or are transported at a temperature of 50�F, or below.

(6) Eggs must be transported and handled under such conditions as will prevent sweating and at a temperature of 55�F. or below; or at 60�F. or below when not held in excess of 4 hours.

(7) The temperature at which the eggs are held and displayed at the retail store may not exceed 55�F.

(8) Periodic checks to determine the adequacy of the production and distribution programs must be made by the department.

History: Sec. 81-20-207 MCA; IMP, Sec. 81-20-207 MCA; Eff. 12/31/72.