Ben Pollard requests information about how to deal with inspectors and
their requirements for a honey packing area.  Lloyd Spear provides an
excellent response.  I would only add the following ideas.
 
1.  Anyone selling honey at a flea market, or wholesale to fruit stands,
health food stores, etc, may have their honey label seen by someone
representing the state department of agriculture.  The inspector is usually
from either a dairy and food or a weights and measures program.  These are
consumer protection programs which often means they have some visibility
and emphasis within their respective departments.
 
2.  Inspectors are trying to enforce statutes and administrative rules
which are on the books because they were or are needed to solve production
and packing problems in industries which may affect the public health .
Ask for a copy of the laws they are enforcing in a visit to your packing
plant.
 
3.  Also ask for any "good manufacturing process" guidelines they can
provide to you.
 
4.  While you may be subject to inspection because of a marketed product,
you can gain less attention if you take the time to consult with an
inspector before you begin selling a product, and get the recomendations
and laws, then comply with those production standards.
 
5.  Like Lloyd says, an inspector is usually willing to work with you if
you engage in a dialog rather than a heated diatribe.
 
6.  Cleanable surfaces on the lower walls, floor, extractor, table or work
surfaces, access to potable water source in the packing room for washing
hands, slip covers over flourescent tubes or TuffCote bulbs and adequate
lighting, bath room facilities if a larger plant, evidence of proper
cleanliness behaviors by the operator, and a good public safety attitude is
what most inspectors will look for.  They will also discourage persons from
packing honey in a garage or other area where chemicals are stored or where
shop work is conducted.
 
Cleanliness is the first priority.  If an inspector (or the public) can
walk into your packing area and take a quick look around and immediately
say "my this place is clean!" you have the proper packing environment for
your customers and the inspector.  There are a lot of small beekeeper honey
packing plants where you wouldn't want to eat off the work surface.  In
some you would feel comfortable sitting or eating off the floor.
 
James C. Bach
WSDA State Apiarist
Yakima WA
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