Sanitation requirements

1. Food, consumer containers, equipment maintenance, and operations. a. Food intended for sale through vending machines and condiments available at vending machine locations shall be obtained from sources complying with the regulations of North Dakota. Such food shall be wholesome, free from spoilage, and shall be processed, prepared, handled, and stored in such a manner as to be protected against contamination and adulteration. All food-contact surfaces of containers and equipment shall be protected from contamination. If condiments are provided for service in conjunction with food dispensed by a vending machine, they shall be packaged in individual portions in single-service containers or shall be dispensed from approved sanitary dispensers which are washed, sanitized, and filled at the commissary. Relish bowls and similar non-self-closing condiment containers shall not be used. Potentially hazardous food shall be held at safe temperatures except during necessary periods of preparation. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the following requirements are met: (1) All food offered for sale through vending machines shall be manufactured, processed, and prepared in commissaries or establishments which comply with all applicable state laws and regulations. (2) All food offered for sale through vending machines shall be wholesome. (3) All food shall be stored or packaged in clean protective containers, and shall be handled, transported, and vended in a sanitary manner. Condiments provided for service in conjunction with food dispensed by a vending machine shall be packaged in individual portions in single-service containers or shall be dispensed from approved sanitary dispensers which are washed, sanitized, and filled at the commissary. Fresh fruits which may be eaten raw without peeling may be dispensed unpackaged but must be thoroughly washed in potable water before being placed in the vending machine. Storage of cartoned, bottled, canned, or packaged food by placing or submerging it in liquid is prohibited. Submerging such containers of food in ice is prohibited. (4) Potentially hazardous food offered for sale through vending machines shall be handed or dispensed to the consumer in the individual original container or wrapper into which it was placed at the commissary or at the manufacturer's or processor's plant, or such products shall be dispensed into single-service containers from containers which were filled at the commissary or at the manufacturer's or processor's plant. (5) In those vending machines which dispense potentially hazardous food from bulk, the bulk supplies of such food shall be transferred only to bulk vending machine containers and appurtenances which have been cleaned and sanitized. (6) Potentially hazardous food within the vending machine shall be maintained at a temperature of forty-five degrees Fahrenheit [7.22 degrees Celsius] or below, or one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit [60 degrees Celsius] or above, whichever is applicable; provided, that exceptions may be made for (a) the actual time required to load or otherwise service the machine and for a maximum recovery period of thirty minutes, following completion of loading or servicing operation; and (b) in the case of hot food vending machines, a maximum of one hundred twenty minutes to heat food through the forty-five degrees Fahrenheit [7.22 degrees Celsius] to one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit [60 degrees Celsius] temperature zone. In hot food vending machines which are not equipped with refrigerated storage, there shall be no time delay to preclude heat from being applied to potentially hazardous food immediately after it is loaded or placed in the machine. Potentially hazardous food once heated to, or held at, a temperature of one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit [60 degrees Celsius] or above, shall be maintained at such temperature until served or discarded. Vending machines dispensing potentially hazardous food shall be provided with adequate refrigerating or heating units, or both, and thermostatic controls which ensure the maintenance of applicable temperatures at all times. Such vending machines shall also have controls which prevent the machine from vending potentially hazardous food until serviced by the operator, in the event of power failure or other condition which results in noncompliance with temperature requirements in the food storage compartment. Hot food vending machines designed to heat food through the forty-five degrees Fahrenheit [7.22 degrees Celsius] to one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit [60 degrees Celsius] temperature range, shall also be equipped with automatic controls which render the machine incapable of vending potentially hazardous food until serviced by the operator in the event that heating through this temperature range is not accomplished in one hundred twenty minutes or less. Potentially hazardous food which has failed to conform to the time-temperature requirements of this paragraph shall be removed from the vending machine, and be denatured or otherwise rendered unusable for human consumption. Vending machines dispensing potentially hazardous food shall be provided with one or more thermometers which, to an accuracy of minus two degrees Fahrenheit [minus 18.89 degrees Celsius], indicates the air temperature of the warmest part of the refrigerated food storage compartment, or the coldest part of the heated food storage compartment, whichever is applicable. (7) Milk and fluid milk products offered for sale through vending machines shall be pasteurized and shall be dispensed only in individual, original containers or from bulk containers into which such product was placed at the milk plant; provided, that such products may be reconstituted automatically within the vending machine when (a) the powder or concentrate is made from a pasteurized milk or milk product and is from an approved source; (b) the mixing chambers or bowls and any food-contact surface downstream from such mixing units are maintained at safe temperatures; and (c) the product is reconstituted for immediate dispensing in individual unit servings. (8) Milk and fluid milk products used as an ingredient in hot liquid beverages dispensed from vending machines may be transferred to a multiuse machine canister at the machine location; provided, that (a) the location offers adequate protection against dust, insects, and other contamination; (b) the milk or fluid milk product is transferred from a dairy-filled container of not to exceed one-half gallon [1.89 liter] capacity; (c) the entire contents of such dairy-filled container are used in the transfer; (d) unused portions removed from the machine are discarded to waste; and (e) the milk or fluid milk product is poured only into an empty canister which has been effectively cleaned and sanitized at the commissary; provided further, that milk or fluid milk products shall not be used as an ingredient under the terms of this paragraph unless the temperature of the hot beverage at the point of mixing with the milk product is one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit [71.11 degrees Celsius] or higher. Vending machine canisters and appurtenances used for the transfer of such milk products shall be effectively cleaned and sanitized at approved, fixed facilities at the commissary by methods approved by the department. After sanitization, the canister and appurtenances shall be fully wrapped in a single-service bag or cover which shall not be opened until the canister unit is installed in the refrigerated compartment of the vending machine. Canisters and appurtenances shall be so designed and constructed that the handling of contact surfaces at the machine location is unnecessary; and, such surfaces shall not be handled during canister installation, tube insertion, or product transfer. (9) All parts of any bulk milk vending machine which come into direct contact with the milk or milk product shall be effectively cleaned and sanitized at the milk plant; provided, that single-service dispensing tubes which receive sanitizing treatment at the fabricating plant and which are individually packaged in such manner as to preclude contamination, may be exempted from this provision. The can or other bulk milk container shall be filled only at the milk plant and shall be sealed in such manner as to make it impractical to withdraw any part of its contents or to introduce any substance without breaking the seal or seals. The delivery tube and any milk-contact parts of the dispensing device shall be attached at the milk plant, and shall be protected by a moistureproof covering, or housed in a compartment with a moisture-tight closure which shall not be removed until after the container is placed in the refrigerated compartment of the vending machine. (10) With the exception of food-contact surfaces of bulk milk vending machines for which separate provisions for cleaning and sanitizing are specified in paragraph 9, all multiuse containers or parts of vending machines which come into direct contact with potentially hazardous food shall be removed from the machine daily and shall be thoroughly cleaned and effectively sanitized at the commissary or other approved facility; provided, that the requirement for daily cleaning and sanitizing may be waived for those food-contact surfaces which are maintained at all times at a temperature of forty-five degrees Fahrenheit [7.22 degrees Celsius] or below, or one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit [60 degrees Celsius] or above, whichever is applicable, and an approved cleaning frequency is followed. Such parts shall, after sanitizing, be protected from contamination. (11) All parts of vending machines which come into direct contact with other than potentially hazardous food shall be thoroughly cleaned by approved methods. The frequency of such cleaning shall be established by the department based upon the type of product being dispensed. A record of such cleaning operations shall be maintained by the operator in each machine or shall be made available at the time of inspection and shall be current for at least the past thirty days. (12) All single-service articles shall be purchased in sanitary cartons or packages which protect the articles from contamination, shall be stored in a clean, dry place until used, and shall be handled in a sanitary manner. Such articles shall be stored in the original carton or package in which they were placed at the point of manufacture until introduced into the magazine or dispenser of the vending machine. Single-service articles stored within the vending machine shall be protected from manual contact, dust, insects, rodents, and other contamination. 2. Machine location. a. The machine location shall be such as to minimize the potential for contamination of the food, shall be well-lighted, easily cleanable, and shall be kept clean. Conveniently located handwashing facilities shall be available for use by employees servicing or loading bulk food machines. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the following requirements are met: (1) Each vending machine shall be located in a room, area, or space which can be maintained in a clean condition and which is protected from overhead leakage or condensation from water, waste, or sewer piping. The immediate area in which the machine is located shall be well-lighted. Each vending machine shall be so located that the space around and under the machine can be easily cleaned and maintained, and so that insect and rodent harborage is not created. (2) The floor area where vending machines are located shall be reasonably smooth, of cleanable construction, and be capable of withstanding repeated washing and scrubbing. This space and the immediate surroundings of each vending machine shall be maintained in a clean condition. (3) Adequate handwashing facilities, including hot and cold or tempered running water, soap, and individual towels, shall be convenient to the machine location and shall be available for use by employees servicing or loading bulk food machines. 3. Exterior construction and maintenance. a. The exterior construction of the vending machine shall be such as to facilitate cleaning and to minimize the entrance of insects and rodents, and the exterior of the machine shall be kept clean. Service connections to machines vending potentially hazardous food or food in bulk shall be such as to protect against unintentional or accidental interruption of service to the machine. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the following requirements are met: (1) The vending machine shall be of sturdy construction and the exterior shall be so designed, fabricated, finished, and maintained so as to facilitate its being kept clean, and to minimize the entrance of insects and rodents. The exterior of the machine shall be kept clean. (2) Door and panel access openings to the food and container storage spaces of the machine shall be tight-fitting, and if necessary, gasketed, so as to prevent the entrance of dust, moisture, insects, and rodents. (3) All ventilation louvers or openings into vending machines shall be effectively screened. Screening material for openings into food and container storage spaces of the machine shall be not less than sixteen mesh to the inch [2.54 centimeters] or equivalent. Screening material for openings into condenser units which are separated from food and container storage spaces shall be not less than eight mesh to the inch [2.54 centimeters] or equivalent. (4) In all vending machines in which the condenser unit is an integral part of the machine, such unit when located below the food and container storage space shall be separated from such space by a dustproof barrier, and when located above, shall be sealed from such space. (5) Unless the vending machine is sealed to the floor or counter so as to prevent seepage underneath, or can be manually moved with ease, one or more of the following provisions shall be utilized to facilitate cleaning operations: (a) The machine shall be mounted on legs six inches [l5.24 centimeters] or more in height; provided, that countertype machines may use four-inch [10.16-centimeter] legs; or (b) the machine shall be mounted on casters or rollers; or (c) the machine shall be mounted on gliders which permit it to be easily moved. (6) All service connections through an exterior wall of the machine, including water, gas, electrical, and refrigeration connections, shall be grommeted or closed to prevent the entrance of insects and rodents. All service connections to machines vending potentially hazardous food or food in bulk shall be such as to discourage their unauthorized or unintentional disconnection. 4. Interior construction and maintenance. a. All interior surfaces and component parts of the vending machine shall be so designed and constructed as to permit easy cleaning, and shall be kept clean. All food-contact surfaces of the machine shall be of smooth, nontoxic, corrosion-resistant, and relatively nonabsorbent material, and shall be capable of withstanding repeated cleaning and sanitizing by normal procedures. Such surfaces shall be protected against contamination. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the following requirements are met: (1) The non-food-contact surfaces of the interior of vending machines shall be so designed and constructed as to permit easy cleaning, and to facilitate maintenance operations. Inaccessible surfaces or areas shall be minimized. (2) All food-contact surfaces of vending machines shall be smooth, in good repair, and free of breaks, corrosion, open seams, cracks, and chipped places. The design of such surfaces shall be such as to preclude routine contact between food and V-type threaded surfaces. All joints and welds in food-contact surfaces shall be smooth; and all internal angles and corners of such surfaces shall be rounded to facilitate cleaning. (3) All food-contact surfaces of vending machines, including containers, pipes, valves, and fittings, shall be constructed of nontoxic, corrosion-resistant, and relatively nonabsorbent materials, and shall be kept clean. In all vending machines in which carbon dioxide is used to propel water, food, or other ingredients, all food-contact surfaces in the system shall be of such material as to preclude the production of toxic substances which might result from interaction between the carbon dioxide and food-contact surfaces. All food-contact surfaces, unless designed for inplace cleaning, shall be accessible for manual cleaning and inspection: (a) without being disassembled; (b) by disassembly without the use of tools; or (c) by easy disassembly with the use of only simple tools such as a screwdriver or an open-end wrench. In machines of such design that food-contact surfaces are not readily removable, inplace cleaning of such surfaces may be permitted; provided, that (a) they are so arranged that cleaning and sanitizing solutions can be circulated throughout the fixed system; (b) such solutions will contact all food-contact surfaces; (c) the system is self-draining or otherwise completely evacuated; and (d) the procedures utilized result in thorough cleaning of the equipment. (4) The openings into all nonpressurized containers used for the storage of vendable food, including water, shall be provided with covers which prevent contamination from reaching the interior of the containers. Such covers shall be designed to provide a flange which overlaps the opening, and shall be sloped to provide drainage from the cover wherever the collection of condensation, moisture, or splash is possible. Concave covers or cover areas are prohibited. Any port opening through the cover shall be flanged upward at least three-sixteenths inch [4.76 millimeters], and shall be provided with an overlapping cover flanged downward. Condensation, drip, or dust deflecting aprons shall be provided on all piping, thermometers, equipment, rotary shafts, and other functional parts extending into the food container, unless a watertight joint is provided. Such aprons shall be considered as satisfactory covers for those openings which are in continuous use. Gaskets, if used, shall be of a material which is nontoxic, relatively stable, and relatively nonabsorbent, and shall have a smooth surface. All gasket retaining grooves shall be easily cleanable. (5) The delivery tube or chute and orifice of all bulk food and bulk beverage vending machines shall be protected from normal manual contact, dust, insects, rodents, and other contamination. The design shall be such as to divert condensation or other moisture from the normal filling position of the container receiving the food or beverage. The vending stage of such machines shall be provided with a tight-fitting, self-closing door or cover which is kept shut, except when food is being removed. (6) The food storage compartment within vending machines dispensing packaged liquid food shall be so constructed as to be self-draining, or shall be provided with a drain outlet which permits complete draining of the compartment. All such drains shall be easily cleanable. (7) Opening devices which come into contact with the food or the food-contact surface of the containers shall be constructed of smooth, nontoxic, corrosion-resistant, and relatively nonabsorbent materials. Unless the opening device is of a single-service type, it shall be readily removable for cleaning, and shall be kept clean. Parts of multiuse opening devices which come into contact with the food or food-contact surface of containers shall be reasonably protected from manual contact, dust, insects, rodents, and other contamination; and such parts shall be readily removable for cleaning. 5. Water supply. a. Water used in vending machines shall be from an approved source, and shall be of a safe and sanitary quality. Vending machines shall be so installed and operated as to prevent the production of toxic substances in the water. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the following requirements are met: (1) All water used in vending machines shall be of a safe and sanitary quality and from an approved source. Water used as a food ingredient shall be piped to the vending machine under pressure or brought to the vending machine in portable containers or urns which have been filled in a sanitary manner directly from an approved water supply outlet at the commissary or other approved location. Ingredient water shall not be transferred from one container to another at the machine location. Containers for the storage of ingredient water or ice, which are not a part of this closed water system, shall be designed and maintained as food-contact surfaces. Water containers or urns shall be cleaned and sanitized at the commissary or other approved facility after each use. Such portable containers shall be continuously protected against contamination from the time of sanitizing until placed in the vending machine. Protection shall be effected which will prevent unauthorized persons from tampering with or refilling the water container. All plumbing connections and fittings shall be installed in accordance with state and local plumbing regulations. (2) If used, water filters or other water-conditioning devices shall be of a type which may be disassembled for periodic cleaning or replacement of the active element. Replacement elements shall be handled in a sanitary manner. (3) All vending machines which dispense carbonated beverages, and which are connected to a water supply system, shall be equipped with two (or a double) check valves; or an airgap; or a device to vent carbon dioxide to the atmosphere; or other approved device, which will provide positive protection against the entrance of carbon dioxide or carbonated water into the water supply system. (4) Where check valves are used for the protection of the water supply system, a screen of not less than one hundred mesh to the inch [2.54 centimeters] shall be installed in the waterline immediately upstream from the check valves. (5) In all vending machines which dispense carbonated beverages and which are connected to a water supply system, the ingredient water-contact surfaces from the check valves or other protective device downstream, including the device itself, shall be of such material as to preclude the production of toxic substances which might result from interaction with carbon dioxide or carbonated water. 6. Waste disposal. a. All wastes shall be properly disposed of, and pending disposition, shall be kept in suitable containers so as to prevent creating a nuisance. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the following requirements are met: (1) All trash and other waste material shall be removed from the machine location as frequently as may be necessary to prevent nuisance and unsightliness, and shall be disposed of in an approved manner. (2) Self-closing, leakproof, easily cleanable, plainly labeled and designated waste container or containers shall be provided in the vicinity of each machine or machines to receive used cups, cartons, wrappers, straws, closures, and other single-service items. After being emptied, each waste container shall be thoroughly cleaned. Such waste containers shall not be located within the vending machine; provided, that an exception may be made for those machines dispensing only packaged food with crown closures. In case of an exception, the closure receptacle may be located within the machine. Suitable racks or cases shall be provided for multiuse containers or bottles. (3) Containers shall be provided within all machines dispensing liquid food in bulk for the collection of drip, spillage, overflow, or other internal wastes. An automatic shutoff device shall be provided which will place the vending machine out of operation before such container overflows. Containers or surfaces on which such wastes may accumulate shall be readily removable for cleaning, shall be easily cleanable, and shall be corrosion-resistant. If liquid wastes from drip, spillage, or overflow, which originate within the machine are discharged into a sewerage system, the connection to the sewer shall be through an airgap. 7. Delivery of food, equipment, and supplies to machine location. a. Food, food-contact surfaces of containers, equipment, and supplies shall be protected from contamination while in transit to machine location. Potentially hazardous food, while in transit and in storage on location, shall be maintained at safe temperatures. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the following requirements are met: (1) Food, while in transit to vending machine locations, shall be protected from the elements, dirt, dust, insects, rodents, and other contamination. Similar protection shall be provided for single-service containers, and for the food-contact surfaces of equipment, containers, and devices in transit to machine locations. (2) Potentially hazardous food, prior to being loaded in the delivery vehicle, shall be maintained at a temperature of forty-five degrees Fahrenheit [7.22 degrees Celsius] or below, or one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit [60 degrees Celsius] or above, whichever is applicable. Such food shall also comply with the applicable temperature requirements while in transit to machine locations. (3) If potentially hazardous food is stored at machine locations, the applicable safe temperature shall be maintained during storage. 8. Cleanliness of personnel. a. Employees shall maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and shall conform to hygienic practices while engaged in handling foods, or food-contact surfaces of utensils or equipments. b. Satisfactory compliance. Subdivision a shall be deemed to have been satisfied when the requirements of this subdivision are met. Employees shall wash their hands immediately prior to engaging in any vending machine servicing operation which may bring them into contact with food, or with food-contact surfaces of utensils, containers, or equipment. While engaged in such servicing operations, employees shall wear clean outer garments, shall conform to hygienic practices, and shall not use tobacco in any form.