Florida Violation V35: Single-use items

IntermediateSeverity
EquipmentCategory
2,898Citations (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?
Single-use items improperly reused This is classified as a intermediate violation under the Equipment category.
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 liq...
What CDC risk factor does this violation fall under?
This violation is classified under: Contaminated Equipment - Single-Use Item Safety.

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.