Section § 114095

Explanation

Any place where food is made or where reusable utensils and equipment are used must have manual ways to clean and sanitize those items effectively. This needs to be done as outlined in another specific section, Section 114099.

All food facilities in which food is prepared or in which multiservice utensils and equipment are used shall provide manual methods to effectively clean and sanitize utensils as specified in Section 114099.

Section § 114097

Explanation

This law requires that surfaces and utensils that come in contact with food must be thoroughly cleaned. They should be washed either manually or mechanically to ensure all food particles and residues are removed. This can involve using detergents, hot water, and other cleaning tools or methods like brushes or high-pressure sprays.

Equipment food-contact surfaces and multiservice utensils shall be effectively washed to remove or completely loosen soils by the use of manual or mechanical methods necessary, such as the application of detergents containing wetting agents and emulsifiers, acid, alkaline, or abrasive cleaners, hot water, brushes, scouring pads, high pressure sprays, or ultrasonic devices.

Section § 114099

Explanation

This law outlines the requirements for manual dishwashing sinks used in washing, rinsing, and sanitizing kitchen equipment and utensils. Generally, such sinks must have three compartments and two metal drainboards. The compartments need to be big enough to fit the largest items being cleaned. If specific items can't fit or aren't designed for the sinks, other approved cleaning methods must be used instead. There's an exception for two-compartment sinks that were already in use as of January 1, 1996; these don't need to be replaced if using other approved cleaning methods and if installing a three-compartment sink is difficult. Approval from an enforcement officer is necessary to keep using these older sinks.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099(a) Manual warewashing sinks, except as specified in subdivision (c), shall have at least three compartments with two integral metal drainboards for manually washing, rinsing, and sanitizing equipment and utensils.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099(b) Sink compartments shall be large enough to accommodate immersion of the largest equipment and utensils. If equipment or utensils are not designed to be washed in a warewashing sink, alternate approved methods as specified in Section 114099.3 shall be followed.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099(c) A two compartment sink that is in use on January 1, 1996, need not be replaced when used as specified in Section 114099.3. The enforcement officer shall approve the continued use of a two-compartment sink even upon replacement if the installation of a three-compartment sink would not be readily achievable and where other approved sanitation methods are used.

Section § 114099.1

Explanation

Restaurants and food service places must remove food scraps from dishes and equipment by scraping them into a trash bin or similar waste area before washing them, whether by hand or machine. If needed for thorough cleaning, they should also rinse, soak, or scrub the utensils and equipment before washing.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.1(a) During manual or mechanical warewashing, food debris on equipment and utensils shall be scraped over a waste disposal unit, scupper, or garbage receptacle.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.1(b) If necessary for effective cleaning, utensils and equipment shall be preflushed, presoaked, or scrubbed with abrasives.

Section § 114099.2

Explanation

This law section outlines the requirements for manually washing dishes and utensils in food establishments. It mandates the use of a three-compartment sink for this process, ensuring that the washing solution is at least 100°F unless specified otherwise by the cleaning agent's label. Utensils must be rinsed with clear water before being placed in a sanitizing solution, and the specifics for manual and in-place sanitizing are detailed in another section (114099.6). Alternative methods may be used if approved by the relevant enforcement agency.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.2(a) Notwithstanding Section 114099, manual warewashing shall be accomplished by using a three-compartment sink.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.2(b) The temperature of the washing solution shall be maintained at not less than 100°F or the temperature specified by the manufacturer on the cleaning agent manufacturer’s label instructions or as provided in writing by the manufacturer.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.2(c) The utensils shall then be rinsed in clear water before being immersed in a sanitizing solution.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.2(d) Manual sanitization shall be accomplished as specified in Section 114099.6.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.2(e) In-place sanitizing shall be accomplished as specified in Section 114099.6.
(f)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.2(f) Other methods may be used if approved by the enforcement agency.

Section § 114099.3

Explanation

This law allows the use of alternative manual cleaning equipment for washing dishes or utensils when there are special needs, like fixed equipment or large utensils, and the health department has approved it. Such equipment can include high-pressure sprayers, foamers, specialized tools, or brushes. A two-compartment sink can also be used under certain conditions, such as limiting the types of utensils washed and sanitizing in batches. The cleaning solutions must be prepared and used immediately, following specific methods either with detergent sanitizers or hot water immersion. Continuous washing processes aren't allowed with a two-compartment sink.

Alternative manual warewashing equipment may be used when there are special cleaning needs or constraints, such as when equipment is fixed or the utensils are large, and the enforcement agency has approved the use of the alternative equipment. Alternative manual warewashing equipment may include any of the following:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(a) High-pressure detergent sprayers.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(b) Low-or-line pressure spray detergent foamers.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(c) Other task-specific cleaning equipment.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(d) Brushes or other implements.
(e)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(e)
(1)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(e)(1) A two-compartment sink, if the permitholder limits the number of utensils cleaned and sanitized in the two-compartment sink, limits warewashing to batch operations for cleaning and sanitizing utensils, such as between cutting one type of raw meat and another or cleanup at the end of a shift, and does either of the following:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(e)(1)(A) Makes up the cleaning and sanitizing solutions immediately before use and drains them immediately after use, as well as uses a detergent sanitizer to clean and sanitize in accordance with the manufacturer’s label instructions where there is no distinct water rinse between the washing and sanitizing steps. The agent applied in the sanitizing step shall be the same detergent sanitizer that is used in the washing step.
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(e)(1)(B) Use a hot water sanitization immersion step that incorporates a nondistinct water rinse.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.3(e)(2) A two-compartment sink shall not be used for warewashing operations where cleaning and sanitizing solutions are used for a continuous or intermittent flow of utensils in an ongoing warewashing process.

Section § 114099.4

Explanation

In places where dishes are washed by hand, if hot water is used to sanitize them, the sink must have a built-in heater that keeps the water at least 171°F. Additionally, the sink should have a rack or basket to fully submerge the dishes and utensils in the hot water.

If hot water is used for sanitization in manual warewashing operations, the sanitizing compartment of the sink shall be designed with an integral heating device that is capable of maintaining water at a temperature not less than 171°F and provided with a rack or basket to allow complete immersion of equipment and utensils into the hot water.

Section § 114099.5

Explanation

This law requires that in places where dishes are washed by hand, a thermometer or similar device must be available to regularly check the water temperature used for washing and sanitizing items.

In manual warewashing operations, a temperature measuring device shall be provided and readily accessible for frequently measuring the washing and sanitizing temperatures.

Section § 114099.6

Explanation

This law outlines how to properly sanitize items by hand in a food facility. It specifies that the final sanitizing rinse can be done by soaking items in hot water at 171°F for at least 30 seconds, or by using different sanitizing chemicals for specified times. For example, you can use a chlorine solution for at least 30 seconds or iodine for one minute, among others. It also includes using ozone or other approved chemicals, following strict guidelines to ensure they meet federal regulations. Additionally, any other method must be approved by a relevant enforcement agency.

Manual sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by one of the following:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(a) Immersion for at least 30 seconds where the water temperature is maintained at 171 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b) The application of sanitizing chemicals by immersion, manual swabbing, or brushing, using one of the following solutions:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(1) Contact with a solution of 100 ppm available chlorine solution for at least 30 seconds.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(2) Contact with a solution of 25 ppm available iodine for at least one minute.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(3) Contact with a solution of 200 ppm quaternary ammonium for at least one minute.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(4) Contact with a solution of ozone that meets the requirements of Section 180.940 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and that is generated by a device located onsite at the food facility that meets all of the following requirements:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(4)(A) Complies with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. Sec. 136 et seq.).
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(4)(B) Complies with federal device requirements as specified in Section 152.500 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and federal labeling requirements as specified in Section 156.10 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(C)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(4)(C) Displays the United States Environmental Protection Agency device manufacturing facility registration number on the device.
(D)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(4)(D) Is operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and manufactured using good manufacturing practices as specified in Part 110 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(b)(5) Contact with any chemical sanitizer that meets the requirements of Section 180.940 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s use directions.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.6(c) Other methods approved by the enforcement agency.

Section § 114099.7

Explanation

This law outlines how to sanitize dishes and utensils mechanically. You can either heat them to 160ºF using the right equipment or use chemical sanitizers in specific ways. If using chlorine, keep items in a 50 ppm solution for 30 seconds. If using iodine, use a 25 ppm solution for one minute. Any other chemical sanitizers must meet federal standards and follow both the sanitizer and machine manufacturer's instructions. Once sanitized, items should not be rinsed unless using specific machines that provide potable water and meet other safe operation requirements.

Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by one of the following:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(a) By being cycled through equipment that is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160ºF as measured by an irreversible registering temperature indicator.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(b) The mechanical application of sanitizing chemicals by pressure spraying methods using one of the following solutions:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(b)(1) Contact with a solution of 50 ppm available chlorine for at least 30 seconds.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(b)(2) Contact with a solution of 25 ppm available iodine for at least one minute.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(b)(3) Contact with any chemical sanitizer that meets the requirements of Section 180.940 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations when used in accordance with the following:
(A)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(b)(3)(A) The sanitizer manufacturer’s use directions as specified on the product label.
(B)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(b)(3)(B) The machine manufacturer’s specifications as provided in the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(c) After being cleaned and sanitized, equipment and utensils shall not be rinsed before air drying or use unless:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(c)(1) The rinse is applied directly from a potable water supply by a warewashing machine that meets the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 114130 and is maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114099.7(c)(2) The rinse is applied only after the equipment and utensils have been sanitized by the application of hot water or by the application of a chemical sanitizer solution whose United States Environmental Protection Agency-registered, label use instructions require rinsing off the sanitizer after it is applied in an approved commercial warewashing machine.

Section § 114101

Explanation

This law outlines the requirements for using mechanical dishwashers in food service settings. It states that the machines must be approved and used according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Items to be cleaned must be loaded in a way that allows them to be fully sprayed and drained. The process should use enough water and detergent, at proper velocity and concentration, to thoroughly clean utensils. Restricted food service facilities can use certain dishwashers without following another section of the law, as long as the dishwasher heats utensil surfaces to at least 160°F.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114101(a) Mechanical machine warewashing shall be accomplished by using an approved machine installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114101(b) Soiled items to be cleaned in a warewashing machine shall be loaded in racks, trays, or baskets or onto conveyors in a position that exposes the items to the unobstructed spray during all cycles and allows the items to drain.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114101(c) The velocity, quantity, and distribution of the washwater, type, and concentration of detergent used therein, and the time the utensils are exposed to the water shall be sufficient to clean the utensils.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114101(d) Restricted food service facilities need not comply with Section 114130 if the domestic or commercial dishwasher utilized for warewashing is capable of providing heat to the surface of the utensils of a temperature of at least 160°F.

Section § 114101.1

Explanation

If you have a warewashing machine, it must have a data plate that's easy to read and located in a spot that's easy to access. This plate, which the manufacturer places on the machine, needs to detail how the machine is supposed to work. It should show the temperatures needed for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing, the required pressure for the sanitizing rinse if applicable, and how fast the conveyor moves or how long one cleaning cycle takes for stationary models.

A warewashing machine shall be provided with an easily accessible and readable data plate affixed to the machine by the manufacturer that indicates the machine’s design and operating specifications including the temperatures required for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing, the pressure required for the fresh water sanitizing rinse, unless the machine is designed to use only a pumped sanitizing rinse, and the conveyor speed for conveyor machines or cycle time for stationary rack machines.

Section § 114101.2

Explanation
A dishwashing machine must have a device that shows the temperature of the water during the final rinse. This device should measure either the water for hot water sanitizing or in the tank for chemical sanitization.
A warewashing machine shall be equipped with a temperature measuring device that indicates the temperature of the water as the water enters the hot water sanitizing final rinse manifold or in the chemical sanitizing solution tank.

Section § 114103

Explanation

This section explains the requirements for warewashing equipment in food service settings. Generally, there must be two metal drainboards: one for dirty items going into the wash and one for clean, sanitized items coming out. If a mechanical washer is used, these drainboards must be near the machine, but they can borrow from those used by manual sinks if nearby. Pot and pan washers can use similar setups or alternative official equipment that provides enough space. Additionally, there should be places to hold utensils before they're washed and after they're sanitized. All sinks and drainboards need to direct water to an approved waste system.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114103(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), all warewashing equipment shall be provided with two integral metal drainboards of adequate size and construction. One drainboard shall be attached at the point of entry for soiled equipment and utensils and one shall be attached at the point of exit for cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114103(b) Where a mechanical warewashing machine is used, there shall be two metal drainboards, one for soiled equipment and utensils, and one for clean equipment and utensils, located adjacent to the machine. The requirement for a drainboard for soiled equipment and utensils or the requirement for a drainboard for clean equipment and utensils, or both requirements, may be satisfied by using the drainboards that are part of the manual warewashing sinks if the sink is located adjacent to the machine.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114103(c) Pot and pan washers shall be equipped with drainboards as required in subdivision (a), or shall be equipped with approved alternative equipment that provides adequate and suitable space for soiled and clean equipment and utensils.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114103(d) Drainboards, utensil racks, or tables large enough to accommodate all soiled and cleaned items that may accumulate during hours of operation shall be provided for necessary utensil holding before cleaning and after sanitizing.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 114103(e) Sinks and drainboards of warewashing equipment shall be sloped and drained to an approved liquid waste receptor.

Section § 114105

Explanation

After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils must be air dried or used only after they've drained properly. They shouldn't be dried with cloths, although air-dried utensils can be polished with clean, dry cloths.

After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food and shall not be cloth dried, except that utensils that have been air dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry.

Section § 114107

Explanation

This law ensures that proper equipment is provided to test the effectiveness of sanitizing methods used in cleaning dishes by hand or machine. It also requires that the concentration of the sanitizing solution is measured accurately to ensure it is at the right strength.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114107(a) Testing equipment and materials shall be provided to adequately measure the applicable sanitization method used during manual or mechanical warewashing.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114107(b) The concentration of the sanitizing solution shall be accurately determined to ensure proper dosage.

Section § 114109

Explanation

This law outlines the safety requirements for drying agents used with sanitization. These agents must only include ingredients recognized as safe for food or specifically approved through various federal regulations. They can be recognized as safe for direct or indirect food contact, approved under previous sanctions, or identified through a regulatory process. Additionally, if chemicals are used for sanitization, the agents specifically must be approved for use with those chemical sanitizers.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114109(a) Drying agents used in conjunction with sanitization shall contain only components that are listed as one of the following:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 114109(a)(1) Generally Recognized as Safe for use in food as specified in 21 C.F.R. 182 – Substances Generally Recognized as Safe, or 21 C.F.R. 184 – Direct Food Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114109(a)(2) Generally Recognized as Safe for the intended use as specified in 21 C.F.R. 186 – Indirect Food Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 114109(a)(3) Approved for use as a drying agent under a prior sanction specified in 21 C.F.R. 181 – Prior-Sanctioned Food Ingredients.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 114109(a)(4) Specifically regulated as an indirect food additive for use as a drying agent as specified in 21 C.F.R. 175–178, inclusive.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 114109(a)(5) Approved for use as a drying agent under the threshold of regulation process established by 21 C.F.R. 170.39.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114109(b) When sanitization is with chemicals, the approval required under paragraph (3) or (5) of subdivision (a) or the regulation as an indirect food additive required under paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), shall be specifically for use with chemical sanitizing solutions.

Section § 114111

Explanation

This law specifies guidelines for dry cleaning methods used on food-contact surfaces. It states that dry cleaning methods like brushing or vacuuming should only touch areas with dry and non-hazardous food residues. Additionally, the cleaning equipment used for these tasks should only be used for this purpose and not for any other use.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114111(a) If used, dry cleaning methods such as brushing, scraping, and vacuuming shall contact only surfaces that are soiled with dry nonpotentially hazardous food residues.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114111(b) Cleaning equipment used in dry cleaning food-contact surfaces shall not be used for any other purpose.

Section § 114113

Explanation

This law requires that any surfaces of equipment and utensils that come into contact with food must first be cleaned and sanitized. This ensures that food is safe and free from contamination.

Food shall only contact surfaces of equipment and utensils that are cleaned and sanitized.

Section § 114115

Explanation

This law requires that all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with food must be visibly and physically clean. Cooking equipment and pans should not have built-up grease or other residues. Surfaces that do not come into direct contact with food should also be free from dust, dirt, and leftover food. When equipment is put back together after cleaning, it must be done in a way that prevents contamination of the surfaces that touch food.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114115(a) Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114115(b) The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114115(c) Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114115(d) Equipment shall be reassembled so that food-contact surfaces are not contaminated.

Section § 114117

Explanation

This law requires that the surfaces of kitchen equipment and utensils that come into contact with food must be cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent contamination. They must be cleaned before switching from one type of raw animal food to another, such as beef to poultry, unless the subsequent food requires a higher cooking temperature. Utensils should also be cleaned when changing from raw to ready-to-eat foods and between using raw produce and high-risk foods. Furthermore, food-contact surfaces should be cleaned every four hours if used with potentially hazardous foods, though this can vary based on temperature and use conditions.

Exceptions allow for less frequent cleaning in certain conditions, like using refrigerated rooms or specific serving situations, provided that temperatures and cleanliness standards are maintained. Equipment that does not contact potentially hazardous food should still be cleaned whenever contamination might occur, and at specified intervals for items like iced tea dispensers or ice bins.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(a) Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned and sanitized at the following times:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(a)(1) Except as specified in subdivision (b), before each use with a different type of raw food of animal origin such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, or poultry.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(a)(2) Each time there is a change from working with raw foods to working with ready-to-eat foods.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(a)(3) Between uses with raw produce and with potentially hazardous food.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(a)(4) Before using or storing a food temperature measuring device.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(a)(5) At any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(b) Paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) does not apply if the food contact surface or utensil is in contact with a succession of different raw foods of animal origin, each requiring a higher cooking temperature as specified in Section 114004 than the previous food, such as preparing raw fish followed by cutting raw poultry on the same cutting board.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(c) Except as specified in subdivision (d), if used with potentially hazardous food, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day at least every four hours.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(d) Surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting potentially hazardous food may be cleaned and sanitized less frequently than every four hours if any of the following occurs:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(d)(1) In storage, containers of potentially hazardous food and their contents are maintained at temperatures as specified in Section 113996 and the containers are cleaned and sanitized when they are empty.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(d)(2) Utensils and equipment are used to prepare food in a refrigerated room or area that is maintained at or below 55ºF. In that case, the utensils and equipment shall be cleaned and sanitized at the frequency that corresponds to the temperature as depicted in the following chart and the cleaning frequency based on the ambient temperature of the refrigerated room or area shall be documented and records shall be maintained in the food facility and made available to the enforcement agency upon request:
(>41°F – 45°F)
(>45°F – 50°F)
(>50°F – 55°F)
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(3) Containers in serving situations such as salad bars, delis, and cafeteria lines that hold ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food that is maintained at the temperatures specified in subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, of Section 113996 are intermittently combined with additional supplies of the same food that is at the required temperature, and the containers are cleaned and sanitized at least every 24 hours. Utensils and containers holding potentially hazardous foods in accordance with subdivision (d) of Section 113996 are cleaned when they are empty or when the remaining contents are disposed of.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(4) Temperature measuring devices are maintained in contact with food, such as when left in a container of deli food or in a roast, held at temperatures specified in Sections 113996 and 114004.
(5)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(5) Equipment is used for storage of packaged or unpackaged food, such as a reach-in refrigerator, and the equipment is cleaned and sanitized at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
(6)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(6) The cleaning schedule is approved based on consideration of characteristics of the equipment and its use, the type of food involved, the amount of food residue accumulation, and the temperature at which the food is maintained during the operation and the potential for the rapid and progressive multiplication of pathogenic or toxigenic micro-organisms that are capable of causing foodborne disease.
(7)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(7) In-use utensils are intermittently stored in a container of water in which the water is maintained at 135ºF or higher and the utensils and container are cleaned and sanitized at least every 24 hours or at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(e) Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in Section 114111, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not potentially hazardous shall be cleaned and sanitized in any of the following circumstances:
(1)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(e)(1) At any time when contamination may have occurred.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(e)(2) At least every 24 hours for iced tea dispensers and consumer self-service utensils such as tongs, scoops, or ladles.
(3)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(e)(3) Before restocking consumer self-service equipment and utensils such as condiment dispensers and display containers.
(4)CA Health & Safety Code § 114117(e)(4) In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment, at a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or, absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.

Section § 114118

Explanation

If you're using fabric tools like towels or cloths around food, you need to make sure they're washed and sanitized either before or after using them to touch the food directly.

Fabric implements shall be laundered and sanitized before or after use in direct contact with food.

Section § 114119

Explanation

This law outlines how to properly store utensils during breaks in food preparation to ensure food safety. Utensils should be placed with handles above the food in non-hazardous ingredients or food containers that can be closed. They can also be placed on clean food prep surfaces if both the utensil and surface are cleaned regularly. For moist foods like ice cream, utensils can be stored in running water to keep them clean. If utensils are used only with non-hazardous foods, they can be stored in a clean, safe place. Utensils can also be kept in hot water of at least 135ºF, provided the water is changed to prevent buildup of residues.

During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored in the following manner:
(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114119(a) Except as specified under subdivision (b), in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114119(b) In food that is not potentially hazardous, with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114119(c) On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency specified under Section 114117.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114119(d) In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 114119(e) In a clean, protected location if the utensils, such as ice scoops, are used only with a food that is not potentially hazardous.
(f)CA Health & Safety Code § 114119(f) In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135ºF and the container is cleaned at least every 24 hours or at a frequency necessary to preclude the accumulation of soil residues.

Section § 114121

Explanation

This law outlines how food facilities in California should handle empty containers that are returned for refilling with food or beverages. Generally, these containers must be cleaned and refilled in approved venues unless exceptions apply. If a customer brings or returns a clean personal container for refilling, it can be filled and given back only to the original customer, and must meet specific reuse design standards. Food facilities are required to either keep these personal containers separate from serving surfaces or sanitize the surfaces every time they are used.

Additionally, facilities must have written plans to prevent cross-contamination and address waste water disposal, which should be accessible during inspections. Consumer-owned containers, if not specific to food, can be filled at water vending machines. Lastly, the law emphasizes the importance of adhering to proper handwashing protocols.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114121(a) Except as specified in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), returned empty containers intended for filling with food or beverage shall be cleaned and filled in an approved facility.
(b)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 114121(b)
(1)Copy CA Health & Safety Code § 114121(b)(1) Clean consumer-owned containers provided or returned to the food facility for filling may be filled and returned to the same consumer if the container is filled by either an employee of the food facility or the owner of the container. For the purposes of this section, a consumer-owned container shall be designed and constructed for reuse in accordance with Section 3-304.17(B)(1) of the 2017 Food Code published by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
(2)CA Health & Safety Code § 114121(b)(2) The food facility shall either isolate the consumer-owned containers from the serving surface or sanitize the serving surface after each filling.
(c)CA Health & Safety Code § 114121(c) The food facility shall prepare, maintain, and adhere to written procedures to prevent cross-contamination, as described in Section 113986, and the written procedures shall address waste water disposal. The food facility shall make the written procedures available to the enforcement agency upon request or at the time of an inspection.
(d)CA Health & Safety Code § 114121(d) Consumer-owned containers that are not food specific may be filled at a water vending machine or system.
(e)CA Health & Safety Code § 114121(e) The food facility shall ensure compliance with the handwashing requirements specified in Article 4 (commencing with Section 113952) of Chapter 3.

Section § 114123

Explanation

Food preparation sinks, handwashing sinks, and dishwashing equipment cannot be used for cleaning maintenance tools or for holding maintenance materials. They also shouldn't be used to dispose of mop water or other similar wastes.

Except as specified in Section 114125, food preparation sinks, handwashing lavatories, and warewashing equipment shall not be used for the cleaning of maintenance tools, the preparation or holding of maintenance materials, or the disposal of mop water and similar liquid wastes.

Section § 114125

Explanation

If you're running a food business that was built or extensively remodeled before 1996, you might be allowed to wash your hands in the sink used for washing dishes if there's no separate handwashing station. However, if you use that sink for tasks like washing cloths, produce, or thawing food, make sure you clean and sanitize it both before and after each use for those purposes to keep everything hygienic.

(a)CA Health & Safety Code § 114125(a) A warewashing sink shall not be used for handwashing except in food facilities that were not constructed or extensively remodeled since January 1, 1996, and where there are no facilities exclusively for handwashing in food preparation areas.
(b)CA Health & Safety Code § 114125(b) If a warewashing sink is used to wash wiping cloths, wash produce, or thaw food, the sink shall be cleaned and sanitized before and after each time it is used to wash wiping cloths or wash produce or thaw food.