On October 21, 2016 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for a Routine Variance for Subparagraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code, Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2009 FDA Food Code, Paragraph 4-301.12(A), 2009 FDA Food Code,...

 

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

Division of Hotels and Restaurants

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

61C-1.004General Sanitation and Safety Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants hereby gives notice:

On October 21, 2016, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for a Routine Variance for paragraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code, Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2009 FDA Food Code, Paragraph 4-301.12(A), 2009 FDA Food Code, subsection 61C-4.010(5), Florida Administrative Code, Subparagraph 3-305.11(A)(2), 2009 FDA Food Code, and subsection 61C-4.010(1), Florida Administrative Code, from West Sushi located in Jacksonville. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirement that each establishment have an approved plumbing system installed to transport potable water and wastewater; that dishwashing facilities for manually washing, rinsing and sanitizing equipment and utensils are provided, and that each establishment have areas for food storage. They are requesting to utilize holding tanks to provide potable water and to collect wastewater at the handwash sink and to share the dishwashing and food storage areas with another food service establishment under the same ownership and on the same premise.

The Petition for this variance was published in Vol. 42/207 on October 24, 2016. The Order for this Petition was signed and approved on November 10, 2016. After a complete review of the variance request, the Division finds that the application of this Rule will create a financial hardship to the food service establishment. Furthermore, the Division finds that the Petitioner meets the burden of demonstrating that the underlying statute has been achieved by the Petitioner ensuring the wastewater holding tank for the handwash sink is emptied at a frequency as to not create a sanitary nuisance; and potable water provided must come from an approved source and be protected from contamination during handling. The Petitioner shall also ensure that all the handwash sink are provided with hot and cold running water under pressure, soap, an approved hand drying device and a handwashing sign. The dishwashing, food preparation and food storage areas within 95 Southern Fried (SEA2611790) must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. This area must also be available to West Sushi during all hours of operation. If the ownership of 95 Southern Fried (SEA2611790) or West Sushi (Jacksonville Sportservice Inc.) changes, a signed agreement between the establishments for the use of the shared facilities must be provided to the division immediately.

A copy of the Order or additional information may be obtained by contacting: [e-mail], Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011.