Florida Violation V39: Employee practices

IntermediateSeverity
PersonnelCategory
0Citations (12 mo)
Codes 29–44Classification

Florida DBPR violation V39 (Employee practices) is a intermediate food safety violation classified under Personnel.

Reference: 61C-4.023(4), FDA Food Code 2-401

What the Code Says

V39 — Employee practices

Improper employee practices (eating, drinking, smoking)

— Florida Administrative Code 61C-4, FDA Food Code

Why This Matters

PERSONAL CONTAMINATION: Employees eating, drinking, smoking, or using tobacco in food areas introduce pathogens from mouth/hands to food contact surfaces. Saliva contains oral bacteria and viruses. Smoking/vaping introduces particulates and chemicals near food. Personal beverages can spill onto food surfaces. These behaviors represent a significant lapse in food safety culture.

CDC Risk Factor Classification: Poor Personal Hygiene - Employee Practices

The CDC identifies five major contributing factors to foodborne illness outbreaks: food from unsafe sources, inadequate cooking, improper holding temperatures, contaminated equipment, and poor personal hygiene. Source: CDC Contributing Factors

Code Requirements

Employees may NOT eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco in food preparation, service, or dishwashing areas. Designated employee break areas must be provided. Employees may drink from a closed, handled container in food prep areas only if container is stored to prevent contamination. Employee personal items must be stored in designated area away from food.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida food safety violation V39?
Improper employee practices (eating, drinking, smoking) This is classified as a intermediate violation under the Personnel category.
Why is violation V39 (Employee practices) dangerous?
PERSONAL CONTAMINATION: Employees eating, drinking, smoking, or using tobacco in food areas introduce pathogens from mouth/hands to food contact surfaces. Saliva contains oral bacteria and viruses. Smoking/vaping introduces particulates and chemicals near food. Personal beverages can spill onto food...
What CDC risk factor does this violation fall under?
This violation is classified under: Poor Personal Hygiene - Employee Practices.

Data source: Florida DBPR public inspection records. Health risk information sourced from CDC, FDA Food Code, and peer-reviewed research. How we collect and verify this data.