Section 785.465  Packaging and General Identification

a)         Containers:  

1)         The size, style, and type of packaging used for dairy products shall be packaged in materials which will cover and protect the quality of the contents during storage and regular channels of trade and under conditions of handling.  The weights and shape within each size or style shall be as nearly uniform as is practical.

2)         Packaging materials for dairy products shall be selected which will provide sufficiently low permeability to air and vapor to prevent the formation of mold growth and surface oxidation.  In addition, the wrapper shall be resistant to puncturing, tearing, cracking, or breaking under normal conditions of handling, shipping, and storage.  When special-type packaging is used, the instructions of the manufacturers shall be followed closely as to its application and methods of closure.

b)         Packaging and Repackaging:  Packaging dairy products or cutting and repackaging all styles of dairy products shall be conducted under rigid sanitary conditions.  The atmosphere of the packaging rooms, the equipment and packaging material shall be free from mold and bacterial contamination.  Methods for checking the level of contamination shall be as prescribed by the 15^th edition of Standard Methods.

c)         General Identification:  All commercial bulk packages containing dairy products manufactured under the provisions of this subpart shall be adequately and legibly marked with the name of the product, name and address of processor or manufacturer or other assigned plant identification, lot number, and any other identification as may be required.  Consumer packaged products shall be legibly marked with the name of the product, name and address of packer, manufacturer, or distributor.