WAC 16-104-350   Shell egg cleaning operations.  (1) Shell egg cleaning equipment shall be kept in good repair and shall be cleaned after each day's use or more frequently, if necessary.

     (2) The temperature of the wash water shall be maintained at ninety degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and shall be at least twenty degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the temperature of the eggs to be washed. Rinse water temperature shall be at least ten degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the final wash water temperature. These temperatures shall be maintained throughout the cleaning cycle.

     (3) An approved cleaning compound shall be used in the wash water. It must be approved by the United States Department of Agriculture or the Washington state department of agriculture. The use of metered equipment for dispensing the compound into solution is recommended.

     (4) Wash water shall be changed approximately every four hours, or more often if needed, to maintain cleanliness and sanitary conditions, and at the end of each shift. Measures shall be taken to prevent excess foaming during the egg washing operation.

     (5) Replacement water shall be added continuously to the wash water of washers to maintain a continuous overflow. Rinse water, chlorine, or quaternary sanitizing rinse may be used as part or all of the replacement water: Provided, That they are compatible with the washing compound. Iodine sanitizing rinse may not be used as part of the replacement water.

     (6) Water supply shall be of a safe sanitary quality. Only potable water under two parts per million iron content shall be used, without equipment to correct the excess. Water under pressure shall be available to grading and candling area or room for cleaning purposes. Frequency of testing for potability of the water supply shall be determined by the director, however, must also comply with state and local health department requirements. When the water source is changed, new tests are required.

     (7) Waste water from the egg washing operation shall be continuously removed through appropriate drains to prevent standing water from accumulating.

     (8) The washing and drying operation shall be continuous and shall be completed as rapidly as possible. Eggs shall not be allowed to stand or soak in water. Immersion-type washers shall not be used.

     (9) Prewetting shell eggs prior to washing may be accomplished by spraying a continuous flow of water over the eggs in a manner which permits the water to drain away, or other methods which may be approved by the director. The temperature of the water shall be the same as prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.

     (10) Washed eggs shall be spray rinsed with warm water containing an approved sanitizer of not less than 50 p/m nor more than 200 p/m of available chlorine or its equivalent.

     (11) Test kits shall be available and used to determine the strength of the sanitizing solution.

     (12) During any rest period or other line shutdown, preventative measures shall be taken to prevent overheating and/or partial cooking of eggs in the washing, rinsing, and scanning areas.

     (13) Washed eggs shall be dry before cartoning or casing.

     (14) When steam or vapors originate from the washing operation, they shall be continuously and directly removed to the outside of the building.

     (15) Every reasonable precaution should be exercised to prevent "sweating" of eggs.

     (16) Eggs may be dry cleaned or washed. If eggs are dry cleaned, the equipment shall be of a sanitary type, and kept clean and in good repair.

     (17) Cloth or wash rags shall not be used for cleaning eggs unless they are of a sanitary single service type. Single service paper toweling may be used.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 69.25.030 and chapters 42.30 and 35.05 [34.05 ] RCW. 92-01-091, § 16-104-350, filed 12/17/91, effective 1/17/92.]