Florida Violation V24: Toxic substance control

Overview

Violation V24 (Toxic substance control) is a High Priority food safety violation in the Chemical Safety category with 10,197 citations in the past 12 months. TOXIC EXPOSURE: Improper identification, storage, or use of toxic substances creates immediate risk of chemical contamination.

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

High PrioritySeverity
Chemical SafetyCategory
10,197Citations (12 mo)
Codes 01–28Classification

Florida DBPR violation V24 (Toxic substance control) is a high priority food safety violation classified under Chemical Safety.

Reference: 61C-4.010(8), FDA Food Code 7-201 through 7-301

What the Code Says

V24 — Toxic substance control

Toxic substances improperly identified/stored/used

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

Why This Matters

TOXIC EXPOSURE: Improper identification, storage, or use of toxic substances creates immediate risk of chemical contamination. Unmarked spray bottles cause accidental food contamination. Improper pesticide application contaminates food preparation surfaces. Chemical fumes in food areas are absorbed by uncovered food. Employee exposure risks chemical burns and respiratory injury.

CDC Risk Factor Classification: Contaminated Equipment/Protection - Chemical Hazard

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

A 2023 Florida restaurant was cited after a child suffered chemical burns from drinking water contaminated with industrial sanitizer. The restaurant had stored the chemical in an unlabeled container near drink service equipment, violating toxic substance segregation and labeling requirements.

Source: CDC/NIOSH — Chemical Agent Safety

Code Requirements

All toxic substances must be: clearly and accurately labeled, stored in designated areas away from food, used only according to manufacturer instructions, applied only by certified personnel (pesticides). Never transfer chemicals to unlabeled containers. Keep chemicals in locked storage when not in active use. Maintain chemical inventory and SDS files.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida food safety violation V24?
Florida DBPR violation V24 (Toxic substance control) is a High Priority violation in the Chemical Safety category. Toxic substances improperly identified/stored/used
Why is violation V24 (Toxic substance control) dangerous?
TOXIC EXPOSURE: Improper identification, storage, or use of toxic substances creates immediate risk of chemical contamination. Unmarked spray bottles cause accidental food contamination. Improper pesticide application contaminates food preparation surfaces. Chemical fumes in food areas are absorbed by uncovered food. Employee exposure risks chemical burns and respiratory injury.
What are the requirements to correct violation V24?
All toxic substances must be: clearly and accurately labeled, stored in designated areas away from food, used only according to manufacturer instructions, applied only by certified personnel (pesticides). Never transfer chemicals to unlabeled containers. Keep chemicals in locked storage when not in active use. Maintain chemical inventory and SDS files.
What CDC risk factor does violation V24 fall under?
Violation V24 (Toxic substance control) is classified under: Contaminated Equipment/Protection - Chemical Hazard. The CDC identifies five major risk factors contributing to foodborne illness outbreaks in food service establishments.

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