Florida Violation V38: Waste properly disposed

Overview

Violation V38 (Waste properly disposed) is a Intermediate food safety violation in the Sanitation category with 1,853 citations in the past 12 months. PEST ATTRACTION: Improper waste disposal attracts rats, mice, cockroaches, and flies — all disease vectors.

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

IntermediateSeverity
SanitationCategory
1,853Citations (12 mo)
Codes 29–44Classification

Under Florida's food safety regulations, V38 (Waste properly disposed) is a intermediate violation addressing Sanitation standards.

Reference: 61C-4.019(9), FDA Food Code 5-501

What the Code Says

V38 — Waste properly disposed

Improper waste disposal or recycling

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

Why This Matters

PEST ATTRACTION: Improper waste disposal attracts rats, mice, cockroaches, and flies — all disease vectors. Overflowing garbage creates direct food contamination risk. Waste containers without lids allow pests to feed and breed. Grease disposal violations create breeding grounds for flies that carry 100+ pathogens. Improper recycling can create harborage conditions.

CDC Risk Factor Classification: Environmental Contamination - Waste Management

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 2022 Florida restaurant was cited for improper garbage handling after inspectors found overflowing dumpsters attracting flies and rodents. The pest infestation subsequently led to contamination of stored food products and a temporary closure order.

Source: CDC — Flies and Disease

Code Requirements

Dispose of all waste properly: use leak-proof, pest-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Empty frequently to prevent overflow. Clean containers and surrounding areas regularly. Maintain dumpster area — clean up spills, keep lids closed. Separate recyclables. Dispose of grease through approved hauler. Store waste away from food preparation areas.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida food safety violation V38?
Florida DBPR violation V38 (Waste properly disposed) is a Intermediate violation in the Sanitation category. Improper waste disposal or recycling
Why is violation V38 (Waste properly disposed) dangerous?
PEST ATTRACTION: Improper waste disposal attracts rats, mice, cockroaches, and flies — all disease vectors. Overflowing garbage creates direct food contamination risk. Waste containers without lids allow pests to feed and breed. Grease disposal violations create breeding grounds for flies that carry 100+ pathogens. Improper recycling can create harborage conditions.
What are the requirements to correct violation V38?
Dispose of all waste properly: use leak-proof, pest-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Empty frequently to prevent overflow. Clean containers and surrounding areas regularly. Maintain dumpster area — clean up spills, keep lids closed. Separate recyclables. Dispose of grease through approved hauler. Store waste away from food preparation areas.
What CDC risk factor does violation V38 fall under?
Violation V38 (Waste properly disposed) is classified under: Environmental Contamination - Waste Management. The CDC identifies five major risk factors contributing to foodborne illness outbreaks in food service establishments.

Stories You May Have Missed

This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org. How we collect and verify this data.