Florida Violation V21: Time as control

Overview

Violation V21 (Time as control) is a High Priority food safety violation in the Food Safety category with 10,711 citations in the past 12 months. TIME ABUSE: When time is used as a public health control (instead of temperature), food is allowed to remain in the temperature danger zone for a limited period.

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

High PrioritySeverity
Food SafetyCategory
10,711Citations (12 mo)
Codes 01–28Classification

Florida DBPR violation V21 (Time as control) is a high priority food safety violation classified under Food Safety.

Reference: 61C-4.010(4)(e), FDA Food Code 3-501.19

What the Code Says

V21 — Time as control

Time as a public health control not properly used

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

Why This Matters

TIME ABUSE: When time is used as a public health control (instead of temperature), food is allowed to remain in the temperature danger zone for a limited period. Without proper written procedures, documentation, and disposal protocols, food may be served after unsafe time periods. Bacteria reach dangerous levels after 4 hours at room temperature — causing Staphylococcal intoxication, Salmonellosis, and C. perfringens illness.

CDC Risk Factor Classification: Improper Holding/Time & Temperature - CDC Risk Factor #3

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 2019, a Florida restaurant using time as a public health control failed to properly mark food items with discard times. Inspectors found sushi rice that had been at room temperature for over 6 hours with no time stamp. When food is held without temperature control, it must be discarded within 4 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Source: FDA Food Code — Time as a Public Health Control

Code Requirements

If using time as a control: develop written procedures, mark food with discard time (4 hours from removal, or 6 hours if starting at 41°F and not exceeding 70°F), monitor and document. Food must be discarded at marked time — no exceptions. Staff must be trained on procedures. Time as control is NOT appropriate for all foods.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida food safety violation V21?
Florida DBPR violation V21 (Time as control) is a High Priority violation in the Food Safety category. Time as a public health control not properly used
Why is violation V21 (Time as control) dangerous?
TIME ABUSE: When time is used as a public health control (instead of temperature), food is allowed to remain in the temperature danger zone for a limited period. Without proper written procedures, documentation, and disposal protocols, food may be served after unsafe time periods. Bacteria reach dangerous levels after 4 hours at room temperature — causing Staphylococcal intoxication, Salmonellosis, and C. perfringens illness.
What are the requirements to correct violation V21?
If using time as a control: develop written procedures, mark food with discard time (4 hours from removal, or 6 hours if starting at 41°F and not exceeding 70°F), monitor and document. Food must be discarded at marked time — no exceptions. Staff must be trained on procedures. Time as control is NOT appropriate for all foods.
What CDC risk factor does violation V21 fall under?
Violation V21 (Time as control) is classified under: Improper Holding/Time & Temperature - CDC Risk Factor #3. The CDC identifies five major risk factors contributing to foodborne illness outbreaks in food service establishments.

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