FDACS Citation 5-501.11: Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not

Overview

FDACS citation 5-501.11 (Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not) is a General violation under Chapter 5 (Water, Plumbing, and Waste) of the FDA Food Code, with 635 citations in the past 12 months across 2,834 Florida facilities. General food safety requirement.

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

GeneralPriority Level
Ch. 5Water, Plumbing, and Waste
635Citations (12 mo)
4,126Total Citations
2,834Facilities Cited

Under Florida FDACS inspection rules, citation 5-501.11 (Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not) is a general violation addressing Water, Plumbing, and Waste standards.

What the Code Says

5-501.11 — Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not

Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not
kept covered with tight-fitting lids or doors when located outdoors; or indoor receptacles that contain food
not kept covered when not in continuous use or after they are filled. 5-501.113

— 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 5-501.11 citations
CountyCitations
Miami-Dade392
Palm Beach182
Polk164
Pinellas158
Volusia154
Pasco150

Most Cited Facilities

Florida FDACS facilities most cited for 5-501.11
FacilityCityTimes CitedLast Cited
Marathon Dade City 7 Sep 23, 2024
Dollar General Store 18604 Establishment #: 384803 Plant City 7 Nov 2, 2023
El Primo Supermarket Okeechobee 7 Feb 15, 2023
Top King Food Mart Dade City 5 Dec 23, 2025
76 Food Store Jacksonville 5 Dec 16, 2025
La Plazita Spring Hill 5 Dec 3, 2024
Jiffy 1580 High Springs 5 Nov 14, 2023
Nuevo Siglo Supermarket Miami 5 Apr 12, 2023

Recent Inspector Observations

Pompano Food and Daily, Pompano Beach—

Outside: Green dumpster located to the right of the food establishment had its lid open.

R&j Fuel Stop, Bell—

Outside Grounds - One of two of the establishment's dumpster was missing the drain plug. Discussed with management.

Walmart #3310 Fuel Station, Deltona—

Outside: Dumpster lid left open with garbage inside. (COS) Dumpster lids closed during inspection.

Walmart #3310 Fuel Station, Deltona—

Outside: Debris and garbage in and around enclosed dumpster area. (COS) Dumpster enclosure cleaned during inspection.

Dollar General # 13776, Grand Island—

Outside: Dumpster lids open with refuse in dumpster. COS: Manager closed lids on dumpster.

Cabana Express Service, Hialeah—

Outdoor: Dumpster Missing drain plug. COS: Drain plug was provided during inspection.

Frequently Cited Alongside 5-501.11

6-501.11

Physical facilities not maintained in good repair

3,097 co-citations

2-501.11

Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when

2,189 co-citations

6-501.12

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

1,478 co-citations

6-301.11

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

1,240 co-citations

2-102.11(C)(2)-(3)

Person in charge does not correctly respond to questions that relate to preventing

1,091 co-citations

3-305.11

Food not stored at least 6 inches above the floor; in a clean, dry location; or food

1,045 co-citations

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FDACS citation code 5-501.11?
FDACS citation 5-501.11 (Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not) is a General violation under Chapter 5 (Water, Plumbing, and Waste) of the FDA Food Code. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not kept covered with tight-fitting lids or doors when located outdoors; or indoor receptacles that contain food not kept covered when not in continuous use or after they are filled. 5-501.113
How serious is FDACS violation 5-501.11 (Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not)?
General (General): General food safety requirement. This code has been cited 4126 times across 2,834 Florida FDACS-regulated facilities.
Which types of Florida food businesses receive citation 5-501.11?
FDACS inspects grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, food manufacturers, mobile vendors, and vending machines. Citation 5-501.11 (Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not) has been cited at 2,834 such facilities across Florida, with 635 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.

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