On October 12, 2015 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for Subparagraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code, Section 5-203.13, 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 12, 2015, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for paragraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), F.A.C., Section 5-203.13, 2009 FDA Food Code, Paragraph 4-301.12(A), 2009 FDA Food Code, subsection 61C-4.010(5), F.A.C., Subparagraph 3-305.11(A)(2), 2009 FDA Food Code, and subsection 61C-4.010(1), F.A.C., from Serafina Waterfront Trattoria 2 located in Fort Lauderdale. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirement that at least one service sink is provided for the cleaning of mops or similar cleaning tools and the disposal of mop water; that dishwashing facilities for manually washing, rinsing and sanitizing equipment and utensils are provided, and that each establishment have areas for food preparation and storage. They are requesting to share the mop sink, dishwashing, food preparation and food storage areas with another licensed food service establishment under the same ownership.

The Petition for this variance was published in Vol. 41, No. 202, F.A.R., on October 16, 2015. The Order for this Petition was signed and approved on October 22, 2015. 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 that the mop sink, dishwashing sink and food preparation and storage areas within Serafina Waterfront Trattoria (SEA1617460) are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, all sinks are provided with hot and cold running water under pressure and are available during all hours of operation. The handwash sinks must also be provided with soap, an approved hand drying device and a handwashing sign. If the ownership of Serafina Waterfront Trattoria and Serafina Waterfront Trattoria 2 (Vickster Two LLC) changes, a signed agreement between the two 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, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011.