Florida Violation V31: Clean multi-use utensils

IntermediateSeverity
EquipmentCategory
6,026Citations (12 mo)
Codes 29–44Classification

Violation V31 — Clean multi-use utensils — is classified as a intermediate violation in Florida's food safety code under the Equipment category.

Reference: 61C-4.019(1), FDA Food Code 4-601

What the Code Says

V31 — Clean multi-use utensils

Multi-use utensils not properly cleaned

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

Why This Matters

BACTERIAL BIOFILM: Improperly cleaned multi-use utensils develop bacterial biofilms within 24 hours. These biofilms protect pathogens (Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli) from routine sanitizing — requiring physical scrubbing to remove. Each use of a contaminated utensil transfers pathogens to food. Improperly cleaned cutting boards harbor 200x more bacteria than a toilet seat.

CDC Risk Factor Classification: Contaminated Equipment - CDC Risk Factor #4

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

Clean and sanitize all multi-use utensils using the 3-compartment sink method: Wash in hot soapy water (110°F minimum), rinse in clean water, sanitize in approved solution (50-100 ppm chlorine or 200-400 ppm quaternary ammonium for 30 seconds), air dry. Or use properly functioning commercial dishwasher. Clean utensils at least every 4 hours during continuous use.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida food safety violation V31?
Multi-use utensils not properly cleaned This is classified as a intermediate violation under the Equipment category.
Why is violation V31 (Clean multi-use utensils) dangerous?
BACTERIAL BIOFILM: Improperly cleaned multi-use utensils develop bacterial biofilms within 24 hours. These biofilms protect pathogens (Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli) from routine sanitizing — requiring physical scrubbing to remove. Each use of a contaminated utensil transfers pathogens to food. Im...
What CDC risk factor does this violation fall under?
This violation is classified under: Contaminated Equipment - CDC Risk Factor #4.

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.