Minnesota Administrative Rules

1550.2780 REFRIGERATED STORAGE FACILITIES.

Salvage food processors handling readily perishable and frozen foods, including distressed and reconditioned foods, shall keep such products in refrigerated facilities, protected from contamination and adulteration so as to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. For the purposes of parts 1550.2490 to 1550.2930, the term "readily perishable" shall be applicable to any food, beverage, or ingredient including distressed and reconditioned foods, which consist in whole or in part of milk, milk products, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, or other food capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of microorganisms or any other form of life which can cause food infections or food intoxication. However, products in hermetically sealed containers processed by heat to prevent spoilage and dehydrated, dry, or powdered products so low in moisture content as to preclude development of microorganisms are excluded from the terms of this definition.

All refrigerated facilities used for readily perishable foods shall be adequate to properly cool and keep such foods at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and frozen foods at a temperature of five degrees Fahrenheit or below at all times. All foods stored in refrigerated facilities except refrigerated transportation facilities, shall be stored on shelving or on pallets at least six inches off the floor. All transportation facilities used for readily perishable foods shall be designed and equipped so as to maintain readily perishable foods at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. If such food is a frozen food, such facilities shall be designed and equipped to maintain it in a frozen state. The refrigeration requirements of this paragraph are intended to be applicable to all foods, including distressed foods and reconditioned foods. When readily perishable reconditioned foods and/or frozen reconditioned foods are stored on the same premises as readily perishable distressed foods, and/or frozen distressed foods, separate refrigerated facilities, properly identified with appropriate signs, shall be provided for these foods so as to prevent intermingling and possible sale of unapproved distressed food. All drain pipes in the floors of refrigerated facilities or rooms leading into a sewer disposal system shall be properly plumbed with traps or air gaps consistent with the requirements of the Minnesota Plumbing Code.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 31.101

Published Electronically:

September 23, 2013