Model Food Code

 For some reason I am fascinated with the FDA Food Code.  The code itself is available here: https://www.fda.gov/food/fda-food-code/food-code-2022 . This is 668 pages.

A cutesy animated introduction is available here: https://collaboration.fda.gov/decodingthefoodcode/

The Colorado Retail Food Establishment Regulations are available here: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/retail-food/retail-food-resources

Random question: Are alligator eggs considered eggs for purposes of the food code?

Answer: No.  "(1) "Egg" means the shell EGG of avian species such as chicken, duck, goose, guinea, quail, RATITES or turkey. (2) "Egg" does not include: (a) A balut; (b) The egg of reptile species such as alligator; or (c) An egg product."  Source: Food Code 2022, page 27.

But that is not all.  There is more detail. Alligators are considered fish. "(1) "Fish" means fresh or saltwater finfish, crustaceans and other forms of aquatic life (including alligator, frog, aquatic turtle, jellyfish, sea cucumber, and sea urchin and the roe of such animals) other than birds or mammals, and all mollusks, if such animal life is intended for human consumption."

Why does it matter?  The temperature.

Eggs must be stored at a temperature of 7 C (45 F) or less, and cooked to at least 63 C (145 F), if prepared in response to a customer's order.

Fish.  I need to research this more but I think they are received frozen and must also be cooked to 145F.