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Title 7

Displaying title 7, up to date as of 8/13/2026. Title 7 was last amended 8/03/2026.
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Rooms and Compartments

§ 58.406 Starter facility.

A separate starter room or properly designed starter tanks and satisfactory air movement techniques shall be provided for the propagation and handling of starter cultures. All necessary precaution shall be taken to prevent contamination of the facility, equipment and the air therein. A filtered air supply with a minimum average efficiency of 90 percent when tested in accordance with the ASHRAE Synthetic Dust Arrestance Test should be provided so as to obtain outward movement of air from the room to minimize contamination.

§ 58.407 Make room.

The rooms in which the cheese is manufactured shall be of adequate size, and the equipment adequately spaced to permit movement around the equipment for proper cleaning and satisfactory working conditions. Adequate filtered air ventilation should be provided. When applicable, the mold count should be not more than 15 colonies per plate during a 15 minute exposure.

§ 58.408 Brine room.

A brine room, when applicable, should be a separate room constructed so it can be readily cleanable. The brine room equipment shall be maintained in good repair and corrosion kept at a minimum.

§ 58.409 Drying room.

When applicable, a drying room of adequate size shall be provided to accommodate the maximum production of cheese during the flush period. Adequate shelving and air circulation shall be provided for proper drying. Temperature and humidity control facilities should be provided which will promote the development of a sound, dry surface of the cheese.

§ 58.410 Paraffining room.

When applicable for rind cheese, a separate room or compartment should be provided for paraffining and boxing the cheese. The room shall be of adequate size and the temperature maintained near the temperature of the drying room to avoid sweating of the cheese prior to paraffining.

§ 58.411 Rindless cheese wrapping area.

For rindless cheese a suitable space shall be provided for proper wrapping and boxing of the cheese. The area shall be free from dust, condensation, mold or other conditions which may contaminate the surface of the cheese or contribute to unsatisfactory packaging of the cheese.

§ 58.412 Coolers or curing rooms.

Coolers or curing rooms where cheese is held for curing or storage shall be clean and maintained at the proper uniform temperature and humidity to adequately protect the cheese, and minimize the undesirable growth of mold. Proper circulation of air shall be maintained at all times. The shelves shall be kept clean and dry. This does not preclude the maintenance of suitable conditions for the curing of mold and surface ripened varieties.

§ 58.413 Cutting and packaging rooms.

When small packages of cheese are cut and wrapped, separate rooms shall be provided for the cleaning and preparation of the bulk cheese and for the cutting and wrapping operation. The rooms shall be well lighted, ventilated and provided with filtered air. Air movement shall be outward to minimize the entrance of unfiltered air into the cutting and packaging room. The waste materials and waste cheese shall be disposed of in an environmentally and/or sanitary approved manner.