And in combination with any of the following controls for non-proteolytic C. botulinum:
•Labelling of the product with the terms "Keep Refrigerated"; and
•For hot smoked fish:
◦limiting the shelf life to 14 days or less and labelling the product with that shelf life;
◦the use of packaging which has an oxygen permeability equal to or greater than 2000 cc/m2/24 hours at 24° C and 1 atmosphere;
•For other fish products with a refrigerated shelf life greater than 10 daysFootnote 6:
◦Controlling the water activity (aw) to less than 0.97 or
◦Controlling the pH to less than 5.0 and having validated control measures to ensure the pH does not rise during the shelf life of the product as a result of the growth of spoilage organisms such as yeast or mold. Examples of suitable controls may include:
■hot filling the packages at 85°C, or higher; or
■the use of validated preservatives; or
■having validated information or other data (e.g.; shelf life study) that demonstrates the pH is stable and within the safety parameters throughout the stated shelf life.
◦Using packaging material with an Oxygen Transmission Rate of 10,000 cc/m2/24 hours at 24° C,Footnote 7
◦Applying sanitation and processing methods (e.g.: sanitary, enclosed filling) sufficient to minimize the risk of re-contamination of the final product by C. botulinum.
Note: Using oxygen permeable packaging as the only control for non-proteolytic C. botulinum in product with a shelf life greater than 10 days may not be adequate for all product. For example, products packed in oil or in large containers may still pose a risk.