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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

An FDACS Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper hot 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. Hot holding violations occur when cooked, ready-to-eat food is held below 135°F — the minimum temperature required to prevent bacterial growth in foods that have already been heated. Below 135°F, surviving bacteria resume multiplying. Clostridium perfringens, a common cause of institutional food poisoning, thrives in cooked meats and poultry held at insufficient temperatures and can reach dangerous concentrations within hours. FDACS inspectors issue stop-sales when thermometer readings show held food below the safe threshold — removing products from sale that could otherwise cause illness in hours. FDACS has issued 921 such orders across 600 Florida facilities.

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

When FDACS issues a Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper hot 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 hot 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 hot holding temperatures stop-sale orders have been issued at 600 Florida facilities, with 306 orders in the past 12 months.

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

FDACS Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper hot 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.