Directive No. (7/96) on structural requirements for fisheries product establishments.

The Directive provides rules for the fisheries manufacturing facilities in terms of structural requisites in order to ensure safety, hygiene and quality of the ensuing production. Requisites are strict in food-handling areas, whereas all materials used in the building or for the equipment and tools utilized in the processing of raw materials must comply with hygienic standards; drains must be channelled separately from the sanitary drainage, adequate ventilation has to be provided and air locks must be implanted to prevent food contamination; cleaning and disinfection must be accessible throughout the facilities. Storage of packaging materials and food containers must be organized to avert any kind of contamination, both from microbiological or biochemical agents, and storage areas for disposal of wastes and inedible products kept separated from the formers. An efficient effluent and waste disposal system must be running at all times as an adequate supply of water. Potable water standards are listed in Division III-Services of the present Directive.