Section 760.140  General – Food Storage

a)         Food packaged in an immediate closed container, once the container is opened in the retail food store prior to use or retail sale, shall be kept covered.  Food, whether raw or prepared, if removed from the immediate closed container in which it was originally packaged prior to use or retail sale, shall be stored in a clean, covered container, except during necessary periods of preparation.  Whole and unprocessed fresh raw vegetables and fresh raw fruits shall be exempted from this requirement.  Container covers shall be impervious and nonabsorbent.  During periods of storage, subprimal cuts of meat shall be covered with single-service wrapping material.  Primal cuts, quarters or sides of meat, or processed meats such as country hams, slab bacon, and smoked or cured sausages, may be hung uncovered on clean, sanitized hooks or placed on clean, sanitized metal racks in such a manner as to preclude contamination of any food products in storage.

b)         Containers of food shall be stored a minimum of six (6) inches above the floor or stored on dollies, skids, racks, or open-ended pallets, provided such equipment is easily movable, either by hand or with the use of pallet-moving equipment that is on the premises and used. Such storage areas shall be kept clean.  Cased food packaged in cans, glass, or other waterproof containers need not be elevated when the case of food is not exposed to floor moisture and the storage area is kept clean.

c)         Food and containers of food shall not be stored under exposed or unprotected sewer lines, or water lines that are leaking or on which condensed water has accumulated.

d)         Packaged foods shall not be stored in contact with water or undrained ice.

e)         A food ingredient, such as flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cooking oil or vinegar, that is not stored in the original package and is not readily identifiable on sight, shall be stored in a container identifying it by common name.

f)          Toilet rooms and their vestibules, and garbage or mechanical rooms shall not be used for the storage of food.