Advantage Good Agricultural Practices Manual

2.1 Facility Maintenance

Food safety hazards can arise when buildings, yards, internal structures and fittings are not suitable, maintained or in good repair.

This Good Agricultural Practice applies to:

All farm buildings.

What needs to be done

Make sure the construction and condition of buildings, yards, internal structures and fittings are in good condition, are appropriate for the activities intended, and allow for cleaning and proper maintenance.

How to do it

Useful References from OMAFRA:
Take a look at the Engineering page of the OMAFRA website for resources on:

• Animal and Crop Structures and Equipment
• Energy Opportunities
• Stewardship of Rural Resources

Buildings and yards

• Make sure buildings and structures are in good condition to prevent hazards from occurring near food or food contact surfaces.
• Carry out any necessary repairs to buildings in a manner that does not compromise the safety of the food housed in that building.
• Allow for adequate property maintenance (e.g. lawn cutting, weed removal) and provide designated storage locations for equipment and other items.

Internal structures and fittings

• Make sure wall surfaces, partitions and floors are non-toxic to food products (e.g. no lead-based paints).
• Where appropriate, make sure walls and partitions have a smooth non-absorbent surface for easy cleaning.
• Make sure floors are constructed to allow adequate draining and cleaning.
• Make sure ventilation systems are working properly to reduce excessive heat, humidity, vapours, dust and condensation.
• Use shatterproof light bulbs or protective light bulb shields in areas containing food or packaging material to prevent contamination from broken glass.

In general

• Perform regular visual inspections of the buildings and yards.
• Consider having backup systems in place (e.g. power generators) to minimize disruptions due to uncontrollable circumstances.
  

Did you know?

In 2007, dioxins (creosote and pentachlorophenol) in milk were traced to two British Columbia dairy farms that were using pressure-treated wood in their feed bunker silos. Dioxins leached into the feed that was then fed to lactating cows.

If you need an audit

Be prepared for the auditor to:

• Review documentation on facility maintenance. You may be asked to provide monthly inspection reports for the exterior and interior of buildings, which may include:
  • date of inspection
  • description of hazard, if applicable
  • repair details and date repairs completed.
• Observe the facility or possibly request to review a site map of the interior of the buildings.

Sample template

If you require a Monthly Inspection Record, we have provided a record template for your use in the Training and Support Tools section. A printable version is also available.

Laws and regulations that apply

There are few laws that directly impact food safety regulating the production unit and surrounding area in agricultural production. Generally, these requirements are laid out in laws regarding the processing of meat, fish and other food products, or egg-grading stations, which are outside the scope of this document. Note that commodity groups may specify requirements for production units.

However, a number of laws apply to buildings, including farm buildings, location of buildings on properties, and activities on any given property that may indirectly affect food safety.

If the farm or a farm building is on a flood plain or if a waterway runs through it, contact the local Conservation Authority to determine requirements for premises under the Conservation Authority Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C. 27 and the Regulations. Any drainage plans must conform to the Drainage Act, R.S.O., c. D. 17 and Regulations.

When building a new structure or expanding existing structures to house livestock, you may be required to comply with the Nutrient Management Strategy (O. Reg 267/03). See 6.4 Storage and Disposal of Farm Wastes in this manual for further discussion on location of manure on-farm.

Under the Milk Act, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 761, s. 9, every producer shall keep all buildings or premises where animals are stabled or milked clean and in a sanitary condition; as free as possible from flies and other insects; as free as possible from dust; adequately lighted; and ventilated sufficiently to prevent odours from affecting the milk or cream. The Milk Act, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 761, s. 9 (1) s. 12 (1)(2) specifies that a milkhouse be attached to or adjacent to buildings where animals are milked and in a location that ensures good drainage and freedom from contamination; that is accessible for tank-truck pickup; and that provides a reasonably level tank-truck loading area.

Other legislation to be aware of

Farm buildings and septic systems must conform to the requirements in the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23 and the CCBFC National Farm Building Code of Canada, 1995, except where the Building Code exempts any sections (see s. 2.1.1.5 Farm Building in the Building Code, O. Reg. 403/97).

On-farm activities or building plans may also be subject to the Planning Act and other specific geographic legislation such as the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act. The Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 11 provides for setbacks established between watercourses and structures and s. 3 protects wetlands. Contact local building inspectors to determine these and any other municipal bylaw requirements that may apply in your geographic area. Check local municipal bylaws for set-backs and other requirements.

Proceed to 2.2 Drainage and Sewage Systems