CHAPTER VIIU.K.Water supply
There is to be an adequate supply of potable water, which is to be used whenever necessary to ensure that foodstuffs are not contaminated;
[F1Clean water may be used with whole fishery products.
Clean seawater may be used with live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods; clean water may also be used for external washing.
When clean water is used, adequate facilities and procedures are to be available for its supply to ensure that such use is not a source of contamination for the foodstuff.]
Where non-potable water is used, for example for fire control, steam production, refrigeration and other similar purposes, it is to circulate in a separate duly identified system. Non-potable water is not to connect with, or allow reflux into, potable water systems.
Recycled water used in processing or as an ingredient is not to present a risk of contamination. It is to be of the same standard as potable water, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the quality of the water cannot affect the wholesomeness of the foodstuff in its finished form.
Ice which comes into contact with food or which may contaminate food is to be made from potable water or, when used to chill whole fishery products, clean water. It is to be made, handled and stored under conditions that protect it from contamination.
Steam used directly in contact with food is not to contain any substance that presents a hazard to health or is likely to contaminate the food.
Where heat treatment is applied to foodstuffs in hermetically sealed containers it is to be ensured that water used to cool the containers after heat treatment is not a source of contamination for the foodstuff.