- (a) If a shucking and packing plant uses the heat shock process, it shall be done in a separate room adjacent to the shellstock storage room and the shucking room.
- (b) The heat shock tank shall be constructed of smooth, non-corrosive metal, designed to drain completely and to be easily cleanable.
- (c) All heat shock tanks shall be equipped with booster heaters that are thermostatically controlled.
- (d) All shellstock subjected to the heat shock process shall be washed with flowing potable water immediately prior to the heat shock operation.
- (e) During the heat shock process the water shall be maintained at not less than 140°F or more than 150°F. An accurate thermometer shall be available and used to determine the temperature during the heat shock process.
- (f) Nothing in this Rule shall be construed to prohibit any other process that has been found by the Division of Marine Fisheries to be equally effective.
- (g) At least eight gallons of heat shock water shall be maintained in the tank for each one-half bushel of shellstock being treated. All water used in the heat shock process shall be from a source approved by the Division in accordance with Rule .0413 of this Subchapter.
- (h) Immediately after the heat shock process, all treated shellstock shall be subjected to a cool‑down with flowing potable water. All heat-shocked shellstock shall be handled in a manner to prevent the product from becoming adulterated. Shellfish that have been subjected to the heat shock process shall be cooled to an internal temperature of 45°F or below within two hours after this process and shall be placed in storage at 45°F or below.
- (i) At the close of each day's operation, the heat shock tank shall be completely emptied of all water, mud, and detritus, and cleaned and then rinsed with flowing potable water.
- (j) All heat shock tanks shall be sanitized immediately before starting each day's operation.
- (k) The procedure for the heat shock process shall be posted in a location that can be viewed by employees to help ensure the correct procedure can be followed.
History Note: Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-182; 113-221.2; 143B-289.52;
Eff. February 1, 1987;
Amended Eff. August 1, 2002; August 1, 1998; February 1, 1997; September 1, 1990;
Readopted Eff. April 1, 2024.