FDACS Citation 4-101.16: Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces

Overview

FDACS citation 4-101.16 (Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces) is a General violation under Chapter 4 (Equipment, Utensils, and Linens) of the FDA Food Code, with 3 citations in the past 12 months across 10 Florida facilities. General food safety requirement.

Sourced from Florida FDACS public inspection records, Jan 2022–present.

GeneralPriority Level
Ch. 4Equipment, Utensils, and Linens
3Citations (12 mo)
10Total Citations
10Facilities Cited

Under Florida FDACS inspection rules, citation 4-101.16 (Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces) is a general violation addressing Equipment, Utensils, and Linens standards.

What the Code Says

4-101.16 — Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces

Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces.

— FDA Food Code / Florida FDACS Inspection Standards (FAC 5K-4)

Priority Classification

General (General): General food safety requirement.

Florida FDACS uses the FDA Food Code priority system — Priority (P) violations have a direct link to foodborne illness; Priority Foundation (Pf) violations support food safety systems; Core (C) violations are good retail practices with no direct illness link.

Citations by County

Florida counties with the most 4-101.16 citations
CountyCitations
Pasco1
Volusia1
Okaloosa1
Walton1

Most Cited Facilities

Florida FDACS facilities most cited for 4-101.16
FacilityCityTimes CitedLast Cited
Love Whole Foods Ormond Beach 1 Oct 27, 2025
7brew Drive Thru Coffee Niceville 1 Oct 22, 2025
Hershels Quick Stop LLC Otter Creek 1 Dec 16, 2024
Juicey's Juice Bar Spring Hill 1 Apr 19, 2023
Focus Cafe 1 Apr 18, 2023
Bad Ass Coffee of Miramar Beach Destin 1 Jan 5, 2023

Recent Inspector Observations

7brew Drive Thru Coffee, Niceville—

Warewash sink: Multiple wet sponge4s stored next to faucet. COS. The sponges were removed and discarded.

Hershels Quick Stop LLC, Otter Creek—

Deli Area - Observed sponges being used at ware wash sink during the sanitation process. Discussed limitations with person in charge.

Juicey's Juice Bar, Spring Hill—

Ware wash sink: Sponges being used to clean food service equipment. COS. Sponges were voluntarily discarded. o

Focus Cafe, —

Warewashing area: Sponge stored on clean-side drain board. COS: Sponge moved to proper storage. x

Bad Ass Coffee of Miramar Beach, Destin—

Warewash Sink: Observed wet sponges in the sink. COS. Manager removed and discarded sponges. x

Frequently Cited Alongside 4-101.16

6-501.11

Physical facilities not maintained in good repair

12 co-citations

4-903.11(A)

Single-service or single-use articles not stored in a clean, dry location; at least 6

7 co-citations

2-501.11

Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when

7 co-citations

2-103.11(O)

Person in charge does not ensure food employees and conditional employees are

6 co-citations

6-501.12

Physical facilities not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean, or cleaning

5 co-citations

6-301.11

Handwashing sink or group of 2 adjacent handwashing sinks not provided with hand

4 co-citations

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FDACS citation code 4-101.16?
FDACS citation 4-101.16 (Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces) is a General violation under Chapter 4 (Equipment, Utensils, and Linens) of the FDA Food Code. Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces.
How serious is FDACS violation 4-101.16 (Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces)?
General (General): General food safety requirement. This code has been cited 10 times across 10 Florida FDACS-regulated facilities.
Which types of Florida food businesses receive citation 4-101.16?
FDACS inspects grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, food manufacturers, mobile vendors, and vending machines. Citation 4-101.16 (Sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces) has been cited at 10 such facilities across Florida, with 3 citations in the past 12 months.
What does a General FDACS violation mean?
A General FDACS violation means: General food safety requirement. FDACS (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) uses this classification system — Priority (P), Priority Foundation (Pf), and Core (C) — aligned with the FDA Food Code.

This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org. How we collect and verify this data.