S.L. 449.25 Art. 4Packing and processing establishment structure.

(1) The fish packing or processing establishment shall be sited at least two hundred metres away from inhabited areas, livestock farms and any other industrial or other structures that may emit fumes or other materials that may contaminate the fish and aquaculture products.

(2) Each packing establishment shall be divided into a "contaminated" area where harvested fish are brought in, slaughtered, and first sorted, and a "clean" area where the fish are graded and placed in containers. Work and workers must always proceed from clean to contaminated area, and never the other way round. Both areas are to be of sufficient size to allow for good hygienic conditions.

(3) Each processing establishment shall be divided into a "contaminated" area where fresh or frozen fish are first brought in, thawed, cleaned, headed or gutted, and a "clean" area where the fish are filleted, sliced or otherwise processed and placed in containers. Work and workers must always proceed from clean to contaminated area, and never the other way round. Both areas are to be of sufficient size to allow for good hygienic conditions.

(4) The following building requirements shall be complied with within any fish packing or processing establishment:

(a) floors and walls must be smooth, durable, easy to clean and disinfect, as well as waterproof. A light-coloured, washable coating or paint at a height of at least two metres, with rounded edges and corners must cover the walls. Excess water must drain easily from the flooring;

(b) doors and windows must be easy to clean. These apertures must be constructed in such a way as to prevent entry of animals, birds, flies, and insects. Wood is not to be used if possible, and flush-fitting apertures are preferred. Ceilings and roof-lining must be easy to clean;

(c) adequate illumination either natural or artificial over the work areas is necessary;

(d) equipment, instruments, utensils and working surfaces must be kept clean and disinfected, and must be corrosion-resistant. Working tables and other working surfaces must not be made of wood;

(e) the temperature in the packing areas must be <12ºC, and in cold storage 0ºC. Adequate ventilation must be set up, if necessary, to ensure temperature maintenance.