FOOD SOURCE 1a Unapproved source PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE All foods used in retail food establishments must be obtained from commercial suppliers that are inspected by health authorities (state or local health departments, USDA, FDA). Foods prepared in private homes are frequently implicated in foodborne outbreaks. Non-commercial kitchens have limited capacity for maintaining food at proper temperatures and due to their small size are conducive to situations that can result in cross contamination. Controlled processing is required for the safe preparation of food for sale to the public. PERSONNEL 2e Smoking; eating; drinking not restricted PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE The use of tobacco products or eating or drinking during food preparation is prohibited. The hand to mouth contact that occurs during these activities results in the contamination of workers hands and food. FOOD TEMPERATURE CONTROL 3e Hold cold at 41 °F or less PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE Most food poisonings are associated with foods held at temperatures between 41oF and 140oF for extended periods of time. Health Department inspections stress temperature control of potentially hazardous food. The rate of bacterial growth and possible toxin production by some bacteria, can be greatly reduced when foods are held at temperatures of less than 41oF. This cold holding temperature does not generally kill the bacteria that may be present in food, but will slow or inhibit their growth. Bacterial growth and possible toxin production by some bacteria, will occur in potentially hazardous foods that remain at temperatures between 41oF and 140oF for extended periods of time. If a food is held “off” temperature (between 41oF and 140oF) for only a short time, no significant bacterial growth or toxin production should occur. When time is used to control bacterial growth, potentially hazardous foods can be held off temperature for only four hours or less. After this time any food product that has not been served must be discarded. Operations that use time as a control must develop a plan that outlines food handling procedures, identifies when a food item is removed from temperature control and when it is to be disposed of. This plan must be approved by the health department. PEST CONTROL 7b Inappropriate pesticide application PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE Effective and approved measures must be taken to control insect, rodents, and other pests that may get into food establishments. Effective pest management includes: a) preventing entry of pests into the establishment by providing tight fitting doors and threshold, keeping outside door closed, and sealing off any cracks or openings in foundations or around utility penetrations. b) Depriving them of food, water and shelter by keeping the premises clean, free of the acclimation of refuse, garbage and food spills. c) Kill what gets in with the use of traps or pesticides. Only approved pesticides, registered for application in food establishments can be applied. All pesticides must be used according to label directions. Rodent baits must be contained and dispensed form closed, tamper proof bait stations. The use of open bait stations or tracking powder pesticides can result in the pesticides being dispersed throughout the food establishment and ultimately contaminating food and food contact surfaces. TOXIC ITEMS 8b Improperly labeled PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE The accidental contamination of food and food contact surfaces with cleaners, sanitizers or other chemicals can cause serious illness or injury. Distinct labels on chemical containers help ensure that poisonous or toxic materials are properly stored and used.
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