Section ATCP 81.31 - Cheese container requirements(1) CHEESE HOOPS. Cheese hoops shall be of the correct size and shape, so that cheese which is molded in the hoop conforms to the weight and size standards specified under s. ATCP 81.30(2).(2) NEW CHEESE BOXES. All cheese boxes or containers shall be securely nailed or bound together so that they are strong enough to carry the weight of the cheese the box or container is designed to carry. Cheese boxes and containers shall conform to all of the following requirements: (a) The dimensions of the box or container shall be adequate to enable easy entry and removal of the cheese while conforming the finished product to the weight and size standards of s. ATCP 81.30(2). The container shall thoroughly envelop and protect the cheese.(b) All cheese boxes shall be clean and free of insects or other forms of contamination prior to sale or use.(c) Boxes manufactured from wood or veneer shall be constructed of commercially dry materials and contain not more than 18% moisture prior to sale or use as a receptacle for cheese.(d) Scale boards may not contain in excess of 18% moisture.(e) The name and address of the manufacturer shall be plainly stamped, impressed or labeled in type at least 1/4 inch high on the body of all boxes or containers manufactured for use as a receptacle or container for cheese.(3) USED CHEESE BOXES. (a) Before being reused as cheese containers, all previously used boxes shall be reconditioned as necessary, and shall be thoroughly cleaned. Reused boxes shall be free from adhering material, objectionable odors, mold, or other unsanitary conditions.(b) Used wood or veneer boxes shall meet the moisture requirements of new boxes under sub. (2) (c) at the time of reuse.(c) Before a cheese box is reused to contain cheese, all markings other than the designation of the original manufacturer shall be completely obliterated or removed from the box.(4) BARRELS. Barrels used for marketing or transporting barrel cheese shall be free of liquids or excess moisture, and shall be covered with full, removable covers which are securely jacketed and sealed.(5) OTHER BOXES OR CONTAINERS. (a) The department may authorize the temporary experimental use of a new type of box or container which deviates from the requirements or standards under this section, to determine whether it is suitable for use in containing or shipping of cheese. If a new experimental container is found to be satisfactory, the department may authorize its continued or general use. Department approval may be withdrawn if an experimental box or container is found to be unsatisfactory.(b) If shipping materials or containers conform to standards adopted by the United States department of agriculture for the marketing and transporting of cheese, those materials or containers are also deemed to comply with this section.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ATCP 81.31
Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93; am. (2) (e), Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.