Our goal for writing these articles is to give you, the operator a better understanding of the current 2005 FDA Food Code. Each month we’ll continue to explore the content of the food code and how it relates to the operation of your facilities. For the next several months, we’ll be examining the source of food that may be used in a food establishment

Question

The inspector was in last week and I was cited for storing bottles of bar mixes and orange juice boxes in my ice bin at the bar. Why is this an issue?

Answer: The ice in the bin at the bar is intended for consumption in beverages. So there should be nothing stored in the ice as it would contaminate the ice. Also check underneath the cooling plate in your ice bin for mold and debris. This is an area that is frequently missed when cleaning and sanitizing your bar area.

3-202.16 Ice.*

Ice for use as a FOOD or a cooling medium shall be made from DRINKING WATER.

Freezing does not invariably kill microorganisms; on the contrary, it may preserve them.

Therefore, ice that comes into contact with food to cool it or that is used directly for

consumption must be as safe as drinking water that is periodically tested and approved

for consumption.

Critical Item Violation, Denoted by asterisk *

"Critical item" means a provision of .this Code,  that if in noncompliance, is more likely than other violations to contribute to FOOD contamination, illness, or environmental health HAZARD.

Noncritical  Violation, Denoted by N

8-406.11 Time Frame for Correction.

(A) Except as specified in ¶ (B) of this section, the PERMIT HOLDER shall correct noncritical violations by a date and time agreed to or specified by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY but no later than 90 calendar days after the inspection.

So Long Till Next Month,

DorisRittenmeyer, CP - FS

Director – Safety Management Services

d.rittenmeyer@foodhandler.com

This information is provided as a general guideline and is not intended to be, nor does it, constitute legal or regulatory advice. Additional Federal regulations may apply to your particular circumstances. State, regional and local laws, ordinances and regulations may also apply.