15A NCAC 18A .2218. FOOD PROTECTION

(a)  Foods shall be protected from contamination while being stored, prepared, served, and during transportation.  Perishable foods shall be stored at such temperatures as will protect against spoilage.  Potentially hazardous food shall be maintained at safe temperatures (45° F. or below, or 140° F. or above) except during necessary periods of preparation and serving.  Frozen food shall be kept at such temperatures as to remain frozen, except when being thawed for preparation or use.  Potentially hazardous frozen food shall be thawed at refrigerator temperatures of 45° F. or below; or quick‑thawed as part of the cooking process; or by a method approved by the sanitarian.  An indicating thermometer shall be located in each refrigerator.  Raw fruits and vegetables shall be washed thoroughly before use.  Ground beef and foods containing ground beef shall be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 155° F (68° C).  Potentially hazardous foods that have been cooked and then refrigerated shall be reheated rapidly to 165° F (74° C) or higher throughout before being served or before being placed in a hot food storage facility, except that food in intact packages from regulated food manufacturing plants may initially be reheated to 140° F (60° C).  Stuffings, poultry, stuffed meats and poultry, and pork and pork products shall be thoroughly cooked before being served.  Salads made of meat, poultry, potatoes, fish, shellfish, or eggs, and other potentially hazardous prepared food, shall be prepared, preferably from chilled products, with a minimum of manual contact.  Portions of food once served to an individual shall not be served again.

(b)  Live pets shall not be allowed in any room or area in which food is prepared or stored.  Live pets, unless caged and restricted from the immediate eating area, shall not be allowed in any room or area in which food is served.

(c)  Refrigeration facilities, hot food storage facilities, and effective insulated facilities shall be provided as needed to assure the maintenance of all food at required temperatures during storage, preparation, and serving.

(d)  Containers of food shall be stored above the floor, on clean racks, shelves, or other clean surfaces, in such a manner as to be protected from splash and other contamination.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A‑250;

Eff. April 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1993.