§ 50-76. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Adulterated means food deemed to be adulterated in accordance with F.S. § 500.10.

Commissary means a catering establishment, restaurant or any other place in which food, containers or supplies are kept, handled, prepared, packaged or stored.

Corrosion-resistant materials means those materials that maintain their original surface characteristics under prolonged influence of the food to be contacted, the normal use of cleaning compounds and bactericidal solutions and other conditions-of-use environment.

Easily cleanable means that surfaces are readily accessible and made of such materials and finish and so fabricated that residue may be effectively removed by normal cleaning methods.

Employee means the permit holder, individuals having supervisory or management duties and any other person working in a food service establishment.

Equipment means stoves, ovens, ranges, hoods, slicers, mixers, meatblocks, tables, counters, refrigerators, sinks, dishwashing machines, steam tables and similar items, other than utensils, used in the operation of a food service establishment.

Food means any raw, cooked or processed edible substance, ice, beverage or ingredient used or intended for use or for sale in whole or part for human consumption.

Food contact surface means those surfaces of equipment and utensils with which food normally comes in contact and those surfaces from which food may drain, drip or splash back onto surfaces normally in contact with food.

Food processing establishment means a commercial establishment in which food is manufactured or packaged for human consumption, including any place where food is processed in one location and sold in another. The term does not include a food service establishment, retail food store or commissary operation.

Food service establishment means any place where food is prepared and intended for individual portion service and includes the site at which individual portions are provided. The term includes any such place regardless of whether consumption is on or off the premises and regardless of whether there is a charge for the food. The term also includes delicatessen-type operations that prepare sandwiches intended for individual portion service. The term does not include private homes where food is prepared or served for individual family consumption, retail food stores, the location of food vending machines and supply vehicles.

Health authority means the health department, the director of the department or his authorized representative.

Hermetically sealed container means a container designed and intended to be secure against the entry of microorganisms and to maintain the commercial sterility of its contents after processing.

Kitchenware means all multiuse utensils other than tableware.

Law includes federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations.

Misbranded food means misbranded in accordance with F.S. § 500.11.

Mobile food unit means a vehicle-mounted food service establishment designed to be readily movable.

Packaged means bottled, canned, cartoned or securely wrapped.

Person in charge means the individual present in a food service establishment who is the apparent supervisor of the food service establishment at the time of inspection. If no individual is the apparent supervisor, any employee present is the person in charge.

Potentially hazardous food means any food that consists in whole or in part of milk or milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, edible crustacea or other ingredients, including synthetic ingredients, in a form capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms. The term does not include clean, whole, uncracked, odor-free shell eggs or foods which have a pH level of 4.6 or below or a water activity (a _w ) value of 0.85 or less.

Pushcart means a non-self-propelled vehicle limited to serving nonpotentially hazardous foods or commissary-wrapped food maintained at proper temperatures.

Reconstituted means dehydrated food products recombined with water or other liquids.

Safe materials means articles manufactured from or composed of materials that may not reasonably be expected to result, directly or indirectly, in their becoming a component or otherwise affecting the characteristics of any food. If materials used are food additives or color additives as defined in section 201(s) or (t) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, they are safe only if they are used in conforming with regulations established pursuant to section 409 or section 706 of the act. Other materials are safe only if, as used, they are not food additives or color additives as defined in section 201(s) or (t) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and are used in conformity with all applicable regulations of the Food and Drug Administration.

Sanitization means effective bactericidal treatment by a process that provides enough accumulative heat or concentration of chemicals for enough time to reduce the bacterial count, including pathogens, to a safe level on utensils and equipment.

Sealed means free of cracks or other openings that permit the entry or passage of moisture.

Single-service articles means cups, containers, lids, closures, plates, knives, forks, spoons, stirrers, paddles, straws, napkins, wrapping materials, toothpicks and similar articles intended for one-time, one-person use and then discarded.

Tableware means multiuse eating and drinking utensils.

Temporary food service establishment means a food service establishment that operates at a fixed location for a period of time of not more than 18 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration.

Temporary food service event means an event that includes the presence of a temporary food service establishment.

Utensil means any implement used in the storage, preparation, transportation or service of food.

Wholesome means food which is in sound condition, clean, free from adulteration and otherwise suitable for human consumption.

(Code 1970, § 11-48; Ord. No. 80-24, § 1.2, 9-23-80; Ord. No. 04-28, § 3, 7-13-04)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.