FDACS Stop-Sale Orders: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDACS Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures stop-sale order?

An FDACS Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures stop-sale order requires a Florida food establishment to immediately stop selling or using a product that violates FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated. Cold holding failures are silent killers. When refrigeration equipment malfunctions or is improperly set, perishable foods — raw chicken, deli meats, dairy, pre-cut produce, ready-to-eat foods — enter the temperature danger zone (above 41°F), where foodborne bacteria double in count every 20 minutes. Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus multiply rapidly at these temperatures. A food that looks, smells, and tastes completely normal can carry a bacterial load large enough to cause serious illness. Inspectors issue stop-sales when they measure food temperatures above the 41°F threshold — each order means potentially contaminated product was pulled from sale before it reached a customer. FDACS has issued 2174 such orders across 1,061 Florida facilities.

What happens when FDACS issues a stop-sale order for Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures?

When FDACS issues a Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures stop-sale order, the affected products must immediately be removed from sale or use. The establishment cannot sell, distribute, or use the flagged products until FDACS approves corrective action. Violating a stop-sale order can result in additional penalties under Florida Statutes Chapter 500.

Which Florida businesses receive Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures stop-sale orders?

FDACS inspects and issues stop-sale orders to grocery stores, convenience stores, food manufacturers, bakeries, mobile food vendors, and vending machine operators. Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures stop-sale orders have been issued at 1,061 Florida facilities, with 666 orders in the past 12 months.

What law covers FDACS Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures stop-sale orders?

FDACS Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures stop-sale orders are issued under FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) enforces Florida Statutes Chapter 500 and Florida Administrative Code 5K-4, which adopt FDA Food Code standards for food safety and labeling compliance.