Section 25-B2000. PHYSICAL FACILITIES - MAINTAINING PREMISES, UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND LITTER

 

2000.1The grounds surrounding a food processing operation under the control of the licensee shall be kept in a condition that will protect against the contamination of food, equipment, utensils, food-contact surfaces, or food- packaging materials.

 

2000.2The methods for adequate maintenance of grounds include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

(a)Properly storing or removing unnecessary equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used, removing litter and waste, and cutting weeds or grass within the immediate vicinity of the physical facility that may constitute an attractant, breeding place or harborage for pests.

 

(b)Maintaining roads and parking lots so that they do not constitute a source of contamination in areas where food, equipment, utensils, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials are exposed.

 

(c)Adequately draining areas that may contribute contamination to food, equipment, utensils, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials by seepage, foot-borne filth or providing a breeding place for pests.

 

2000.3If the food processing operation's grounds are bordered by grounds not under the operator's control and not maintained in the manner described in section 2000.2, care shall be exercised in the plant by inspection, extermination, or other means to exclude pests, dirt, and filth that may be a source of contamination to food, equipment, utensils, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials.

 

2000.4Methods for maintaining a sanitary operation include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

(a)Providing sufficient space for placement of equipment and storage of materials; and

 

(b)Taking precautions to reduce the potential for contamination of food, equipment, utensils, food-contact surfaces, or food-packaging materials with microorganisms, chemicals, filth, or other extraneous material. The potential for contamination shall be reduced by adequate food safety controls and operating practices or effective design, including the separation of operations in which contamination is likely to occur, by one or more of the following means: location, time, partition, air flow, enclosed systems, or other effective means.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 56 DCR 5245 (July 3, 2009).