Florida Violation V24: Toxic substance control
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.
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
- Florida DBPR Division of Hotels & Restaurants
- FDA Food Code (Current Edition)
- CDC Food Safety
- CDC: Contributing Factors to Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
- Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61C-4
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Florida food safety violation V24?
- Toxic substances improperly identified/stored/used This is classified as a high priority violation under the Chemical Safety category.
- 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 ...
- What CDC risk factor does this violation fall under?
- This violation is classified under: Contaminated Equipment/Protection - Chemical Hazard.
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.