SECTION 241.69. Shipping Documents and Records

(a) Each molluscan shellfish shipment shall be accompanied by a shipping document that contains:

(1) the name, address, and certification number of the shipping dealer;

(2) the name and address of the major consignee; and

(3) the kind and quantity of the molluscan shellfish product.

(b) The receiving dealer shall:

(1) maintain in his/her files a copy of the completed shipping document; and

(2) make the shipping document available to the department upon request.

(c) If the shipment is subdivided to different dealers, each receiving dealer shall maintain records sufficient to trace their portion back to the original shipment.

(d) Each dealer shall have a business address at which transaction records are maintained.

(e) Each dealer shall maintain complete, accurate and legible records of information required by this chapter.

(f) Transaction records shall be sufficient to:

(1) document that the molluscan shellfish are from a source authorized under this subchapter of this title (relating to Molluscan Shellfish);

(2) permit a container of molluscan shellfish to be traced back to the specific incoming lot of shucked molluscan shellfish from which it was taken; and

(3) permit a lot of shucked molluscan shellfish or a lot of molluscan shell stock to be traced back to the harvest area, date of harvest, and if possible, the harvester or group of harvesters.

(g) Purchases and sales shall be recorded:

(1) in a permanently bound ledger book; or

(2) using other recording methods acceptable to and authorized by the department.

(h) The transaction records shall be retained:

(1) in the case of fresh molluscan shellfish, for a minimum of one year; and

(2) in the case of frozen molluscan shellfish, for a minimum of two years or the shelf life of the product, whichever is longer.

(i) If computer records are maintained, the department shall approve the format and its use.

Source Note: The provisions of this §241.69 adopted to be effective March 20, 2003, 28 TexReg 2346