FDACS Citation 6-501.18: Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals

Overview

FDACS citation 6-501.18 (Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals) is a General violation under Chapter 6 (Physical Facility) of the FDA Food Code, with 85 citations in the past 12 months across 449 Florida facilities. General food safety requirement.

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

GeneralPriority Level
Ch. 6Physical Facility
85Citations (12 mo)
465Total Citations
449Facilities Cited

Under Florida FDACS inspection rules, citation 6-501.18 (Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals) is a general violation addressing Physical Facility standards.

What the Code Says

6-501.18 — Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals

Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals
not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

— 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 6-501.18 citations
CountyCitations
Pinellas36
Miami-Dade28
Volusia16
St. Johns15
Palm Beach14
Suwannee13

Most Cited Facilities

Florida FDACS facilities most cited for 6-501.18
FacilityCityTimes CitedLast Cited
Doc's Liquors Old Town 2 Mar 13, 2026
Bearss Food Mart Tampa 2 Feb 4, 2026
Pan's Food Mart Live Oak 2 Jan 29, 2026
101 Liquor and Wine Center Corp. Oakland Park 2 Jan 6, 2026
Best Choice Meats Fort Pierce 2 Dec 17, 2025
Myakka City Grocery Myakka City 2 Oct 15, 2025
One Step Food Mart Tampa 2 Oct 13, 2025
Circle K # 2904 Deland 2 May 26, 2023

Recent Inspector Observations

Vw Publix 0605, Orlando—

Processing Area: The spray nozzle of the three compartment sink had a build up of white residue.

Doc's Liquors, Old Town—

Back Room Area - Hand wash sink has visible dirt and residue buildup on faucet and basin inside restroom.

Sun Stop #346, Live Oak—

Retail Area - Hand wash sink on the food service counter has heavy mineralization buildup on faucet handles.

Taqueria El Molcajete LLC, Palm Springs—

Meat department: Brown film build up in 3 hand wash sink. COS: Hand wash sink was washed and cleaned.

Joffreys Coffee & Tea Company, Tampa—

Mop Sink Room: Soiled basin of mop sink. Warewashing Area: Soiled floor drain under 3-compartment sink.

Dollar Tree # 4177, Palm Coast—

Restrooms: Accumulation of dirt on the hand washing sinks within employee restrooms.

Frequently Cited Alongside 6-501.18

6-501.11

Physical facilities not maintained in good repair

435 co-citations

2-501.11

Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when

235 co-citations

6-501.12

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

224 co-citations

6-301.11

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

173 co-citations

5-501.11

Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not

163 co-citations

3-305.11

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

138 co-citations

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FDACS citation code 6-501.18?
FDACS citation 6-501.18 (Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals) is a General violation under Chapter 6 (Physical Facility) of the FDA Food Code. Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
How serious is FDACS violation 6-501.18 (Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals)?
General (General): General food safety requirement. This code has been cited 465 times across 449 Florida FDACS-regulated facilities.
Which types of Florida food businesses receive citation 6-501.18?
FDACS inspects grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, food manufacturers, mobile vendors, and vending machines. Citation 6-501.18 (Plumbing fixtures including but not limited to handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals) has been cited at 449 such facilities across Florida, with 85 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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