Florida Violation V13: Parasite destruction

Overview

Violation V13 (Parasite destruction) is a High Priority food safety violation in the Food Safety category with 7,971 citations in the past 12 months. PARASITE SURVIVAL: Without proper freezing or cooking, parasites in fish (Anisakis, tapeworm), pork (Trichinella), and wild game survive to infect consumers.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records and CDC food safety data.

High PrioritySeverity
Food SafetyCategory
7,971Citations (12 mo)
Codes 01–28Classification

Violation V13 — Parasite destruction — is classified as a high priority violation in Florida's food safety code under the Food Safety category.

Reference: 61C-4.010(6), FDA Food Code 3-402.11

What the Code Says

V13 — Parasite destruction

Parasite destruction procedures not followed

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

Why This Matters

PARASITE SURVIVAL: Without proper freezing or cooking, parasites in fish (Anisakis, tapeworm), pork (Trichinella), and wild game survive to infect consumers. Anisakis larvae in raw sushi cause severe abdominal pain and allergic reactions. Tapeworm cysts in undercooked pork/beef grow into 15-30 foot worms in intestines. Proper freezing (-4°F for 7 days) kills parasites.

CDC Risk Factor Classification: Inadequate Cooking - CDC Risk Factor #2

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

Real-World Impact

In 2015, a sushi restaurant chain was linked to an Anisakis parasitic infection outbreak after serving undercooked wild salmon that had not been frozen to the required temperature. The FDA Food Code requires fish intended for raw consumption to be frozen at -4 degrees F for 7 days to destroy parasites.

Source: FDA — Selecting and Serving Seafood Safely

Code Requirements

Fish intended for raw consumption (sushi, sashimi, ceviche, tartare) must be frozen to -4°F for 7 days, or -31°F for 15 hours before service. Exception: tuna species and aquacultured fish fed processed feed. Pork and wild game must reach minimum internal cooking temperature. Document all freezing records.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida food safety violation V13?
Florida DBPR violation V13 (Parasite destruction) is a High Priority violation in the Food Safety category. Parasite destruction procedures not followed
Why is violation V13 (Parasite destruction) dangerous?
PARASITE SURVIVAL: Without proper freezing or cooking, parasites in fish (Anisakis, tapeworm), pork (Trichinella), and wild game survive to infect consumers. Anisakis larvae in raw sushi cause severe abdominal pain and allergic reactions. Tapeworm cysts in undercooked pork/beef grow into 15-30 foot worms in intestines. Proper freezing (-4°F for 7 days) kills parasites.
What are the requirements to correct violation V13?
Fish intended for raw consumption (sushi, sashimi, ceviche, tartare) must be frozen to -4°F for 7 days, or -31°F for 15 hours before service. Exception: tuna species and aquacultured fish fed processed feed. Pork and wild game must reach minimum internal cooking temperature. Document all freezing records.
What CDC risk factor does violation V13 fall under?
Violation V13 (Parasite destruction) is classified under: Inadequate Cooking - CDC Risk Factor #2. The CDC identifies five major risk factors contributing to foodborne illness outbreaks in food service establishments.

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