FDACS Stop-Sale Orders: Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDACS Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present stop-sale order?

An FDACS Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present 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. An insect or rodent infestation in a retail food establishment creates the same contamination risks as one in a restaurant — but the products may sit on shelves for days or weeks after initial contamination before a customer buys and consumes them. Cockroaches defecate on packaging, contaminating food inside. Rodents gnaw through sealed containers, exposing contents to urine and droppings containing Salmonella, Leptospira, and Hantavirus. When FDACS documents active pest presence in a retail food environment, affected products are stopped from sale immediately. FDACS has issued 772 such orders across 196 Florida facilities.

What happens when FDACS issues a stop-sale order for Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present?

When FDACS issues a Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present 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 Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present 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. Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present stop-sale orders have been issued at 196 Florida facilities, with 195 orders in the past 12 months.

What law covers FDACS Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present stop-sale orders?

FDACS Prevention of Food Contamination: Insects, rodents, and animals not present 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.