Code of Maryland Regulations (Last Updated: April 6, 2021) |
Title 10. Maryland Department of Health |
Part 3. |
Subtitle 15. FOOD |
Chapter 10.15.02. Crab Meat |
Sec. 10.15.02.07. Equipment
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The person-in-charge shall ensure that:
A. Processing equipment is:
(1) Designed to provide even and effective processing;
(2) Provided with instrumentation to allow process control, monitoring, and verification;
(3) Durable and impervious to water;
(4) Maintained in a sanitary and working condition;
(5) Monitored to verify that process requirements are met; and
(6) Calibrated to ensure accuracy;
B. Pasteurization equipment is provided with:
(1) Temperature sensors:
(a) For controlling and documenting the thermal process; and
(b) That are located to give an accurate representation of the heating medium's temperature;
(2) An automatic recording device of time and temperature that is:
(a) Equipped with a reliable clock, so that a recorded interval does not exceed the elapsed time indicated by an accurate time piece; and
(b) Equipped with a temperature measuring device that is scaled at a maximum of 2°F intervals within the operating temperature range of the pasteurization equipment and accurate to within ±1°F within the range spanning ±15°F of the target processing temperature;
(3) An indicating thermometer scaled at a maximum of 2°F intervals within the operating range of the pasteurization equipment with an accuracy of ±1°F within the range spanning ±15°F of the target processing temperature;
(4) Adequate agitation for even heating and cooling; and
(5) Cooling water that contains residual free chlorine throughout the cooling process;
C. A vessel for steaming crabs is provided with:
(1) An indicating thermometer scaled at a maximum of 2°F intervals within the operating range of the vessel and accurate to within ±1°F within the range spanning ±15°F of the target processing temperature;
(2) Vents to exhaust air thoroughly;
(3) A bottom drain;
(4) Steam pipe inlets or spreaders for even steam distribution; and
(5) Culinary grade steam of sufficient volume for processing;
D. In addition to what is required in §C of this regulation, a pressurized vessel is provided with:
(1) When pressure is part of a standardized process, a pressure gauge; and
(2) A pressure relief valve as required for safety;
E. An accurate clock or timer is provided in the immediate vicinity of a heat-processing vessel to allow the accurate measurement of process time;
F. Equipment used to process crab meat has food contact surfaces that are:
(1) Non-toxic and do not impart toxic or deleterious matter to the food;
(2) Corrosion resistant;
(3) Durable;
(4) Impervious; and
(5) Smooth and easily cleanable;
G. Tables used to back and pick crabs, and pack crab meat and food are made of stainless steel of American Iron and Steel Institute Type 304, or the equivalent; and
H. Non-food contact equipment that receives splash or waste is smooth and easily cleanable.