What must an operation do before packaging fresh juice on-site for later sale?

Before packaging fresh juice on-site for later sale, an operation must obtain a variance. This requirement stems from the potential health risks associated with unpasteurized juice, as it can harbor harmful pathogens. The variance is essentially a formal permission granted by health authorities that allows a food operation to deviate from certain regulations in order to carry out specific practices, such as selling fresh juice.

Obtaining a variance ensures that the operation is meeting additional safety standards to protect public health. This process often involves demonstrating to the health department that proper measures will be taken to mitigate risks related to the production and sale of the juice. It's important for businesses to comply with this regulation to operate legally and safely while providing their products.