On July 02, 2012 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for Paragraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code and Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2001 FDA Food Code from Better Lunch located in Celebration. ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
Division of Hotels and Restaurants

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:
61C-1.004: General Sanitation and Safety Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants hereby gives notice on July 2, 2012 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for paragraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code and Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2001 FDA Food Code from Better Lunch located in Celebration, FL. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirement that each establishment have an approved plumbing system installed to transport potable water and collect wastewater. They are requesting to utilize holding tanks to provide potable water and to collect wastewater at the handwash and three-compartment sinks.

The Petition for this variance was published in Vol. 38, No. 29 on July 20, 2012. The Order for this Petition was signed on July 26, 2012, and 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 tanks for the handwash and three-compartment sinks are 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 the handwash and three-compartment sinks are provided with hot and cold running water under pressure. The handwash sink must also be equipped with soap, approved hand drying device and a handwashing sign. If the ownership of Celebration Office Condos changes, an updated, signed agreement for access to potable water and the mop sink facility is required immediately.

A copy of the Order or additional information may be obtained by contacting: Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011, Lydia.Gonzalez @dbpr.state.fl.us.