10A ncac 06K .0202       FOOD PREPARATION AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

All congregate and home delivered meal nutrition services providers shall meet the following requirements, in addition to those specified in the federal regulations:

(1)           Food Preparation.

(a)           Each nutrition provider must abide by food safety and sanitation practices required in the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments" (15A NCAC 18A .2600).

(b)           All staff working in the preparation of food shall be under the supervision of a person who shall insure the application of hygienic techniques and practices in food handling, preparation and service.  This supervisory person shall consult with the nutrition service provider's dietitian for advice and consultation as necessary.

(c)           Recipes adjusted to yield the number of servings needed shall be used to achieve a consistent quality and quantity of meals.

(d)           All foods shall be prepared and served in a manner to present optimum flavor and appearance, while retaining nutrients and food value.

(2)           Home-delivered Meal Packaging and Packing Standards. 

(a)           All meals packaged at nutrition sites for home delivery shall be individually packaged first (before congregate meals are served) and packed in secondary insulated food carriers with tight fitting lids and transported immediately.

(b)           All home-delivered meals pre-plated at food preparation centers shall be individually packaged and packed in secondary insulated food carriers with tight fitting lids and transported immediately.

(c)           Only divided containers with air-tight seals shall be used for hot food.  Bread shall not be placed on top of other food.

(d)           Cold and hot food shall be packaged and packed separately.

(e)           Individual containers with tight-fitting coverings shall be used for all cold food. "Sandwich" type bags that can be sealed may be used for bread.

(f)            All food delivery carriers must meet National Sanitation Foundation Standards (pursuant to the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments" at 15A NCAC 18A .2600) and must be sanitized daily by the food service provider. 

(3)           Food Safety.

(a)           All food shall be packaged and transported in a manner to protect against potential contamination including dust, insects, rodents, unclean equipment and utensils, and unnecessary handling.  Packaging and transport equipment must maintain food temperatures that meet the requirements of the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments" (15A NCAC 18A .2600).  Records of all temperature checks shall be kept on file for audit by the service provider.

(b)           Nutrition service providers shall educate participants and all staff regarding the sources and prevention of foodborne illness.

(c)           All nutrition providers and food preparation sub-contractors shall follow the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments" (15A NCAC 18A .2600) to maintain a Grade A sanitation rating.  

(d)           Food prepared, frozen, or canned in the home shall not be served at the site.

(e)           Food from unlabeled, rusty, leaking, or broken containers or cans with side dents, rim dents, or swells shall not be used.

(f)            All meat and poultry, fresh or frozen, used in the meals must be inspected by USDA, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or other states' agencies having regulatory authority, from Federally or State inspected plants, and must bear inspection stamps on the box or package.

(g)           All foods used in the meals must be from sources approved by USDA, FDA, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or other states’ agencies having regulatory authority; be in compliance with applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations; and be clean, wholesome, free from spoilage, free from adulteration and mislabeling, and safe for human consumption. 

(h)           Fresh raw fish must bear the PUFI (Packed Under Federal Inspection) Shield. 

(i)            Fresh fruits and vegetables free from disease and infestation may be donated and incorporated into their menu only when they can be used to serve all participants.  Prior to use, all fruits and vegetables shall be washed to remove dirt or insecticide residues.

(j)            Food temperatures must be taken and recorded immediately before serving congregate meals. If warming equipment or refrigeration equipment is used to hold food prior to serving, then temperatures also must be taken and recorded at the time of food delivery.  Food temperatures shall be recorded by the name of each specific food item.  All temperature records must be maintained until audited. 

(k)           Temperature checks shall be made at least one time per month on each home-delivered meal route to document that food temperatures meet the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments" (15A NCAC 18A .2600). 

(l)            The area where meals are handled or served must be kept clean and in good repair. 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑10; 143B‑138; 143B‑181.1(c); 45 C.F.R., Chapter XIII, Part 1321;

Eff. October 1, 1980;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2003; November 1, 1993;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 6, 2016.