Florida Violation V35: Single-use items

Overview

Violation V35 (Single-use items) is a Intermediate food safety violation in the Equipment category with 13,048 citations in the past 12 months. CONTAMINATION RISK: Reusing single-use items (gloves, cups, utensils, foil) that were designed for one use creates contamination pathways.

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

IntermediateSeverity
EquipmentCategory
13,048Citations (12 mo)
Codes 29–44Classification

Under Florida's food safety regulations, V35 (Single-use items) is a intermediate violation addressing Equipment standards.

Reference: 61C-4.019(1)(e), FDA Food Code 4-502.14

What the Code Says

V35 — Single-use items

Single-use items improperly reused

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

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: Reusing single-use items (gloves, cups, utensils, foil) that were designed for one use creates contamination pathways. Single-use gloves develop micro-tears during use, becoming bacterial incubators. Reused single-use containers lose structural integrity, leaking contaminated liquids. Single-use utensils cannot be properly sanitized between uses.

CDC Risk Factor Classification: Contaminated Equipment - Single-Use Item Safety

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 2021 Florida health inspection found a restaurant reusing single-service utensils and washing disposable plates for reuse. The practice was linked to a Salmonella cluster among diners. Single-use items lack the durability to withstand sanitization cycles and can harbor bacteria in cracks and degraded surfaces.

Source: FDA Food Code — Single-Use Items

Code Requirements

Single-use articles (gloves, cups, lids, foil, plastic wrap, straws, stirrers, paper napkins) must be used once and discarded. Do not wash and reuse. Store in original packaging to prevent contamination. Dispense in sanitary manner. Use food-grade single-use items only.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida food safety violation V35?
Florida DBPR violation V35 (Single-use items) is a Intermediate violation in the Equipment category. Single-use items improperly reused
Why is violation V35 (Single-use items) dangerous?
CONTAMINATION RISK: Reusing single-use items (gloves, cups, utensils, foil) that were designed for one use creates contamination pathways. Single-use gloves develop micro-tears during use, becoming bacterial incubators. Reused single-use containers lose structural integrity, leaking contaminated liquids. Single-use utensils cannot be properly sanitized between uses.
What are the requirements to correct violation V35?
Single-use articles (gloves, cups, lids, foil, plastic wrap, straws, stirrers, paper napkins) must be used once and discarded. Do not wash and reuse. Store in original packaging to prevent contamination. Dispense in sanitary manner. Use food-grade single-use items only.
What CDC risk factor does violation V35 fall under?
Violation V35 (Single-use items) is classified under: Contaminated Equipment - Single-Use Item Safety. The CDC identifies five major risk factors contributing to foodborne illness outbreaks in food service establishments.

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