§ 59.763. Operations and operating procedures.

 (a)  Pasteurization. The milk or cream shall be pasteurized at the plant where the milk or cream is processed into the finished product.

   (1)  Cream for buttermaking. Requirements are as follows:

     (i)   The cream for buttermaking shall be pasteurized at a temperature of not less than 165°F and held continuously in a vat at that temperature for not less than 30 minutes; or pasteurized by HTST method at a minimum temperature of not less than 185°F for not less than 15 seconds; or by another equivalent time and temperature combination. Additional heat treatment above the minimum pasteurization requirement is advisable to insure improved keeping quality characteristics.

     (ii)   Adequate pasteurization control shall be used and the diversion valve shall be set to divert at no less than 185°F with a 15 second holding time or its equivalent in time and temperature to assure pasteurization. If the vat or holding method of pasteurization is used, vat covers shall be closed prior to holding period to assure temperature of air space reaching the minimum temperature before holding time starts. Covers shall also be kept closed during the holding and cooling period.

   (2)  Cream for plastic or frozen cream. The pasteurization of cream for plastic or frozen cream shall be accomplished in the same manner as in subparagraph (i) except that the temperature for the vat method shall be not less than 170°F for not less than 30 minutes, or not less than 190°F for not less than 15 seconds or by another temperature and holding time which will assure adequate pasteurization and comparable keeping quality characteristics.

 (b)  Composition and wholesomeness. Ingredients used in the manufacture of butter and related products shall be subject to inspection and shall be wholesome and practically free from impurities. Chlorinating facilities shall be provided for butter wash water if needed and other necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent contamination of products. Finished products shall comply with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.A. § §  301—392), as to composition and wholesomeness.

 (c)  Containers. Containers shall comply with the following:

   (1)  Containers used for the packaging of butter and related products shall satisfactorily protect the quality of the contents in regular channels of trade. Caps or covers which extend over the lip of the container shall be used on all cups or tubs containing 2 pounds or less, to protect the product from contamination during subsequent handling.

   (2)  Liners and wrappers shall comply with the following:

     (i)   Supplies of parchment liners, wrappers, and other packaging material shall be protected against dust, mold and other possible contamination.

     (ii)   Prior to use, parchment liners for bulk butter packages shall be completely immersed in a boiling salt solution in a suitable container constructed of stainless steel or other equally noncorrosive material. The liners shall be maintained in the solution for not less than 30 minutes. The solution shall consist of at least 15 pounds of salt for every 85 pounds of water and shall be strengthened or changed as frequently as necessary to keep the solution full strength and in good condition.

     (iii)   Other liners, such as polyethylene, shall be treated or handled to prevent contamination of the liner prior to filling.

   (3)  The lined butter containers shall be protected from possible contamination prior to filling.

 (d)  Printing and packaging. Printing and packaging of consumer size containers of butter shall be conducted under sanitary conditions.

 (e)  General identification. Commercial bulk shipping containers shall be legibly marked with the name of the product, net weight, name and address of manufacturer, processor or distributor or other assigned plant identification—manufacturer’s lot number, churn number, and the like—and other identification that may be required. Packages of plastic or frozen cream shall be marked with the percent of milkfat.

 (f)  Storage of finished product in coolers. Products shall be kept under refrigeration at temperatures of 40°F or lower after packaging and until ready for distribution or shipment. The products may not be placed directly on floors or exposed to foreign odors or conditions such as drippage due to condensation which might cause package or product damage.

 (g)  Storage of finished product in freezer.

   (1)  Sharp freezers. Plastic cream or frozen cream intended for storage shall be placed in quick freezer rooms immediately after packaging, for rapid and complete freezing within 24 hours. The packages shall be piled or spaced so that air can freely circulate between and around the packages. The rooms shall be maintained at -10°F or lower and shall be equipped to provide sufficient high-velocity air circulation for rapid freezing. After the products have been completely frozen, they may be transferred to a freezer storage room for continued storage.

   (2)  Freezer storage. Freezer storage shall comply with the following:

     (i)   The room shall be maintained at a temperature of 0°F or lower. Adequate air circulation is desirable.

     (ii)   Butter intended to be held more than 30 days shall be placed in a freezer room as soon as possible after packaging. If not frozen before being placed in the freezer, the packages shall be spaced to permit rapid freezing and repiled, if necessary, at a later time.