FDACS Stop-Sale Orders: Contaminants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDACS Contaminants stop-sale order?

An FDACS Contaminants stop-sale order requires a Florida food establishment to immediately stop selling or using a product that violates FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law. Contaminant stop-sales cover the broad category of substances that have entered food products and render them unfit for human consumption — including physical contaminants (glass, metal, plastic), chemical contaminants (cleaning agents, pesticides, unauthorized additives), and biological contaminants (mold, bacteria, parasites). A contaminated product may cause immediate physical injury, acute poisoning, or chronic health effects depending on the contaminant type and concentration. FDACS inspectors issue stop-sales when they identify or receive reports of contamination that poses a risk to public health. FDACS has issued 788 such orders across 189 Florida facilities.

What happens when FDACS issues a stop-sale order for Contaminants?

When FDACS issues a Contaminants 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 Contaminants 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. Contaminants stop-sale orders have been issued at 189 Florida facilities, with 60 orders in the past 12 months.

What law covers FDACS Contaminants stop-sale orders?

FDACS Contaminants stop-sale orders are issued under FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law. 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.