FDACS Stop-Sale Orders: Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDACS Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned stop-sale order?

An FDACS Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned stop-sale order requires a Florida food establishment to immediately stop selling or using a product that violates FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment. Food contact surfaces that are not properly cleaned and sanitized after each use carry residual food debris and the pathogens that colonize it to the next food that touches them. Cross-contamination from improperly cleaned surfaces is one of the most common mechanisms behind foodborne illness outbreaks — particularly the transfer of Salmonella from raw poultry to ready-to-eat foods, and the transfer of Listeria from deli equipment to packaged products. A stop-sale for contaminated food-contact surfaces means product prepared on those surfaces has already been potentially compromised. FDACS has issued 391 such orders across 207 Florida facilities.

What happens when FDACS issues a stop-sale order for Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned?

When FDACS issues a Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned 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 Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned 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. Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned stop-sale orders have been issued at 207 Florida facilities, with 96 orders in the past 12 months.

What law covers FDACS Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned stop-sale orders?

FDACS Protection From Contamination: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned stop-sale orders are issued under FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment. 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.