32.9.505    CONTAINERS

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

(2) Supplies of parchment liners, wrappers and other packaging material must be protected against dust, mold and other possible contamination. Prior to use, parchment liners for bulk butter packages must be completely immersed in a boiling salt solution in a suitable container constructed of stainless steel or other equally non-corrosive material.  The liners must be maintained in the solution for not less than 30 minutes. The solution should consist of at least 15 pounds of salt for every 85 pounds of water and must be strengthened or changed as frequently as necessary to keep the solution full strength and in good condition. Other liners such as polyethylene must be treated or handled in such a manner as to prevent contamination of the liner prior to filling.

(3) Lined bulk butter containers must be protected from possible contamination prior to filling. Containers should be stacked only as high as the firmness of the product will support weight, so as not to crush or distort the container.

(4) Printing and packaging of consumer size containers of butter must be conducted under sanitary conditions. Separate rooms equipped with automatic filling and packaging equipment should be provided. The outside cartons should be removed from bulk butter in a room outside of the printing operation but the parchment removal and cutting of the butter may be done in the print room.

History: Secs. 81-2-102, 81-22-102 MCA; IMP, Secs. 81-2-102, 81-22-102 MCA; Eff. 12/31/72.