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Why must food waste products be cooked prior to feeding the food to swine?
Food waste products from commercial sources may come in contact with raw or partially cooked meat products. Therefore, to ensure that such products are free of disease organisms that may be transmitted to swine, the food products must be recooked.
Is a garbage feeding permit required if I feed food waste products from my house to swine for personal use?
A permit is not required as long as swine fed such food waste products are for your own personal use.
What type of cooking facility is needed to cook food waste products?
Any container that is adequate in capacity to hold the food waste product and has the ability to cook the product to the required temperature and time is acceptable. The fire source must be enclosed under the cooker. A Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) representative will provide necessary instructions for construction of the cooker.
How long and to what temperature must I cook food waste before I can feed it to my own hogs?
To meet acceptable standards, the food waste products must reach a temperature of at least 212 degrees for a period of at least 30 minutes.
How often will my garbage feeding facility be inspected on receipt of a permit?
Inspections are conducted at least once per month. All inspections are unannounced.
What is the procedure in the event that violations are found during an inspection of a permitted facility?
A Notice of Violation is issued and quarantine is required if raw garbage or uncooked food waste is being fed. Follow-up inspections are conducted to ensure compliance. Fines are imposed on those who do not comply with the requirements for the facility.
