DEFROSTING TANKS

When frozen poultry, rabbits, or animals are to be defrosted in water, adequate facilities (tanks, vats, or racks) shall be provided, including continuous running tap water of sufficient volume to thaw such poultry, rabbits, or animals. Such poultry, rabbits, or animals shall not be thawed in still water, and the thawing tanks shall be emptied and rinsed after each use. The tanks shall be thoroughly cleaned once daily. If water is heated, it shall not be heated above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thawing tanks shall be equipped with properly installed overflow pipes to discharge over a floor drain or a valley drain. Where mechanical devices are not used for removing thawed carcasses from thawing, tanks shall be of a size as will enable employees to remove poultry, rabbits, or animals without getting inside the tanks. Statutory Authority: MS s 31.54