What must an operation do before packaging fresh juice on-site for later sale?

Before packaging fresh juice on-site for later sale, an operation must obtain a variance. This is essential because fresh juice is considered a potentially hazardous food due to the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses. To ensure the safety of the product, regulations often require that specific measures be taken to control pathogens, which can vary by state or local jurisdiction. A variance allows an operation to deviate from standard food safety regulations while still maintaining a focus on food safety, meaning that the operation must demonstrate that their methods will effectively meet or exceed safety standards.

Obtaining this variance usually involves providing documentation that details the proposed processing methods and justifications for the different approach, as well as potentially undergoing inspections. This process helps ensure that the juice produced is safe for consumption.