FDACS Citation 5-501.15: Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used

Overview

FDACS citation 5-501.15 (Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used) is a General violation under Chapter 5 (Water, Plumbing, and Waste) of the FDA Food Code, with 3 citations in the past 12 months across 18 Florida facilities. General food safety requirement.

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

GeneralPriority Level
Ch. 5Water, Plumbing, and Waste
3Citations (12 mo)
19Total Citations
18Facilities Cited

Under Florida FDACS inspection rules, citation 5-501.15 (Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used) is a general violation addressing Water, Plumbing, and Waste standards.

What the Code Says

5-501.15 — Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used

Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used
with materials containing food residue and used outside not designed and constructed to have tight-fitting
lids, doors, or covers; or not installed so that accumulation of debris, and insect and rodent attraction and
harborage are minimized and effective cleaning is facilitated around and under the unit.

— 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 5-501.15 citations
CountyCitations
Miami-Dade3
Walton2
Hillsborough2
Volusia1
Palm Beach1
St. Johns1

Most Cited Facilities

Florida FDACS facilities most cited for 5-501.15
FacilityCityTimes CitedLast Cited
Chef Rasta Rayon Authentic Island Food Cuisine Tampa 2 Sep 2, 2025
Fresh Florida Fisheries LLC Miami 1 Jan 9, 2026
4076 Miramar INC Miramar 1 May 20, 2025
Pembroke Kwik Store Miramar 1 May 20, 2025
Gabe's Ocoee 1 May 8, 2025
4 Points Market Establishment #: 259234 Boynton Beach 1 Apr 21, 2025
Dollar Tree # 4879 Winter Park 1 Jan 8, 2025
Presidente Supermarket No. 56 Orlando 1 Dec 3, 2024

Recent Inspector Observations

4076 Miramar INC, Miramar—

Outside Area: Multiple trash cans at entrance without tight fitting lids and attracting insects.

Pembroke Kwik Store, Miramar—

Outside Area: Garbage can to left of entrance door missing a tight fitting cover attracting flies.

Gabe's, Ocoee—

Outside Dumpster Area: Trash compactor is missing sliding closing doors. Observed a rusted hole in the side of the dumpster located underneath trash chute.

Ecologic Enterprises INC., Hialeah—

Out side grounds observed area out side of large garbage with lots of soil and garbage on area not clean as often as needed.

Frequently Cited Alongside 5-501.15

6-501.11

Physical facilities not maintained in good repair

26 co-citations

2-501.11

Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when

13 co-citations

4-501.11

Equipment not maintained in good repair or condition; equipment component not

9 co-citations

6-501.12

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

9 co-citations

6-301.11

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

9 co-citations

5-205.11

Handwashing sink not maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee

7 co-citations

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FDACS citation code 5-501.15?
FDACS citation 5-501.15 (Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used) is a General violation under Chapter 5 (Water, Plumbing, and Waste) of the FDA Food Code. Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used with materials containing food residue and used outside not designed and constructed to have tight-fitting lids, doors, or covers; or not installed so that accumulation of debris, and insect and rodent attraction and harborage are minimized and effective cleaning is facilitated around and under the unit.
How serious is FDACS violation 5-501.15 (Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used)?
General (General): General food safety requirement. This code has been cited 19 times across 18 Florida FDACS-regulated facilities.
Which types of Florida food businesses receive citation 5-501.15?
FDACS inspects grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, food manufacturers, mobile vendors, and vending machines. Citation 5-501.15 (Receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used) has been cited at 18 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.

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