California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 1 - General Acute Care Hospitals
Article 3 - Basic Services
Section 70277 - Dietetic Service Equipment and Supplies

(1) The dietetic service area shall be ventilated in a manner that will maintain comfortable working conditions, remove objectionable odors and fumes and prevent excessive condensation.

(2) Equipment necessary for preparation and maintenance of menus, records and references shall be provided.

(3) Fixed and mobile equipment in the dietetic service area shall be located to assure sanitary and safe operation and shall be of sufficient size to handle the needs of the hospital.

(1) At least one week's supply of staple foods and at least two (2) days supply of perishable foods shall be maintained on the premises. Supplies shall be appropriate to meet the requirements of the menu.

(2) All food shall be of good quality and procured from sources approved or considered satisfactory by federal, state and local authorities. Food in unlabeled, rusty, leaking, broken containers or cans with side seam dents, rim dents or swells shall not be accepted or retained.

(3) Milk, milk products and products resembling milk shall be processed or manufactured in milk product plants meeting the requirements of Division 15 of the California Food and Agricultural Code.

(4) Milk may be served in individual containers, the cap or seal of which shall not be removed except in the presence of the patient. Milk may be served from a dispensing device which has been approved for such use. Milk served from an approved device shall be dispensed directly into the glass or other container from which the patient drinks.

(5) Catered foods and beverages from a source outside the hospital shall be prepared, packed, properly identified, stored and transported in compliance with these regulations and other applicable federal, state and local codes as determined by the Department.

(6) Foods held in refrigerated or other storage areas shall be appropriately covered. Food which was prepared and not served shall be stored appropriately, clearly labeled and dated.

(7) Hermetically sealed foods or beverages served in the hospital shall have been processed in compliance with applicable federal, state and local codes.