NH Maple producers....FDA registration

[NH Maplemaker]

yeah we dont have the property in use, or have any thing to do with farming, but yes im still 15 and yeah they own the property, ill ask and see if they understand any of this

If they do,have them jump on here and help us out also. LOL

I had a call into Our NH maple inspector last week! When he called me back he said "the way we understand it. If you boil sap and make and sell syrup you must register" So I registered! Jim L.

[spencer11]

my parents said i probably wouldnt need to, im gonna ask bascoms when i go i a week or 2 to pick up some stuff, if i need to register to sell the my bulk syrup, they extended the registration to January 31, is that true?

[red maples]

Thanks Jim Thast the answer I was looking for I guess I should have just asked my inspector. I probably would have got the same answer from her. I guess this will be a good thing to bring up at the annual NHMPA meeting next month, which I haven't got any info on or the next eddition of the gathering tank yet? don't we usually have it by now?

[spencer11]

Has anyone found out if the FDA sends out someone to inspect the sugar house etc after you register? What should you have or update if you register to comply with the FDA standards? I assume I have the majority of what I will need to have

[NH Maplemaker]

From what the NH maple inspector told me on the phone! The way it is set up right now, The state inspectors are the ones doing the inspections! That is not to say that a federal inspector can not or will not show up if they want! As the story is being told it happened last year here in New Hampshire! But long story if you have been or you do pass the state inspection you are suppose to be fine!! That is at this particular second! I'm sure that will change!

[spencer11]

oh im sure it will change! ive never been big enough to need to be inspected, im also not part of the assoc but im going to join pretty soon and also register with the fda, do you just ask the assoc to have a inspector come out and check all my stuff before the season to make sue there is/isnt anything i need to change/replace?

[red maples]

pretty much Chris (the maple guys) got inspected. I talk to him at the maple school he said the inspector pretty much didn't really know anything about maple. they just saw that everything was food grade and more or less enjoyed the tour. So basically as long as you have a respectable, clean sugar house and aren't aren't using anything your not supposed to be using then your all set.

I am sure that will change when the rules are written, but we are OK "for now". But I am sure the changes will be coming down eventually. I guess it will be where they draw the line in the sand between packer, major bulk producer, small producer and hobby guy!!!

[spencer11]

so cast iron fittings arnt "food grade" i assume, ive got a couple that came with my evaporator but im replacing them with stainless. what about english tin, thats what my flue pan is made of, is that okay? ive seen people using them this past season so i assume it is fine

[red maples]

I don't know much about it. you might wanna change them out eventually but its pretty possible that its held together by led soder depending on how old it is. it is very important to NOT use an acid pan cleaner as it will remove the tin. and once your pan is sugared over your are all set to go.

I also don't think there is anything wrong with the cast iron fittings, you have cast iron pans right. the only thing is cleaning them properly and keeping them from rusting will be your probelm.

[NH Maplemaker]

spencer11, there isn't any connection between the maple association and the maple inspectors! The inspectors are part of the states AG department! If make and sell syrup, then they have the right by state law to inspect your operation! This is to make sure that light syrup is really light and syrup. that a GAL is a 128OZ. I have never had a bad experience
any of them! As a matter of fact I have always enjoy there visits! Not something to be afraid of, unlike FDA or USDA! But again if you are selling any amount of syrup at all! Your not to small to be inspected.