WAC 16-104-330   Cooler room requirements.  (1) After processing and grading, shell eggs packed in consumer containers shall be refrigerated at maximum of forty-five degrees Fahrenheit, ambient air temperature. All containers shall be clearly labeled with the words "keep refrigerated," in lettering as follows:

Cartons:		1/8 inch minimum
Cases:		1 inch minimum
Baskets and racks:		1 inch minimum

     This provision shall apply to baskets, racks, cases and cartons acquired after June 1, 1992.

     (2) Accurate thermometers shall be provided in egg coolers and egg storage facilities to monitor required ambient air temperatures.

     (3) All shell egg coolers shall be equipped with a hygrometer or portable equipment such as a psychrometer to determine that relative humidity is at least seventy percent. When necessary, humidifying equipment capable of maintaining seventy percent relative humidity, to minimize shrinkage, shall be provided: Provided, That this requirement shall not apply to refrigerated vehicles used to transport shell eggs.

     (4) Egg coolers and egg storage facilities shall be free from objectionable odors and mold, and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

     (5) All facilities where eggs are offered for sale to consumers, shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Display and storage temperatures shall be maintained at a maximum of forty-five degrees Fahrenheit ambient air temperature.

     (6) Shell eggs stored prior to grading shall be refrigerated at a maximum of fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit ambient air temperature, when time prior to processing/grading exceeds twenty-four hours. When time during transport of ungraded eggs will exceed three hours, refrigeration at fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit maximum is required. Transport time of shell eggs prior to processing/grading of three hours or less in unrefrigerated vehicles is allowed, however, that time shall be included as part of the twenty-four hours.

     (7) Inedibles shall be held under refrigeration in covered containers, clearly labeled and stored to prevent possible odor contamination of graded or ungraded eggs.

     (8) Refrigeration is required during all transit of graded product when transit time will require an excess of two hours. Temperatures during all transit of graded product shall be maintained at a maximum of forty-five degrees Fahrenheit ambient air temperature.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 69.25.030 and chapters 42.30 and 35.05 [34.05 ] RCW. 92-01-091, § 16-104-330, filed 12/17/91, effective 1/17/92.]