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MISC. PUBLICATION 5 9 8, TJ. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



of such inspection, it may be expected that a wider market will develop 

 for processed crops, and that both the producer and consumer will 

 benefit. 



Why was the service started in a few plants? 



The service, started in one plant, was extended to only a few more, 

 because the Department felt that it could best determine the value of 

 such service by limiting the number to those carefully chosen in various 

 parts of the United States and to those that packed a varied line of 

 products. Plants granted this service were selected according to the 

 suitability of their physical properties, the excellence of equipment, 

 their proximity to processing crops, and the willingness of the manage- 

 ment to cooperate with the Department in improving quality and 

 maintaining standards of cleanliness. 



Is this inspection required in all processing plants? 



No, the service is not mandatory; in fact, the packer voluntarily 

 requests it. Before the service is granted, however, the plant, its sur- 

 roundings, and operating conditions are inspected for suitability. 



What are some of the plant requirements in order to qualify for 

 continuous inspection? 



The plant property must be constructed properly so that walls and 

 floors may be cleaned and maintained in a sanitary condition. Good 

 ventilation and proper lighting must be assured for the employees. 



Screening of openings into certain processing rooms and other means 

 to control insects are important requirements. An adequate supply 

 of approved water must be available at all times for processing and 

 thorough cleaning of the plant. Refuse from plant products and 

 other sewage must be disposed of properly. Machinery and equip- 



USDA N-5984 



Figure 14. — The standards of sanitation under continuous inspection require the 

 tidy appearance of employees. Clean aprons and neat head coverings are worn 

 wherever food is handled in this plant under continuous inspection. The 

 management provides good, direct lighting to help the women sort tomatoes 

 carefully. 



