California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 3 - Skilled Nursing Facilities
Article 3 - Required Services
Section 72343 - Dietetic Service-Food Storage

(a) Food storage areas shall be clean at all times.

(b) All foods or food items not requiring refrigeration shall be stored above the floor, on shelves, racks, dollies or other surfaces which facilitate thorough cleaning, in a ventilated room, not subject to sewage or wastewater backflow or contamination by condensation, leakage, rodents or vermin. All packaged food, canned foods, or food items stored shall be kept clean and dry at all times.

(c) All readily perishable foods or beverages shall be maintained at temperatures of 7°C (45°F) or below, or at 60°C (140°F) or above, at all times, except during necessary periods of preparation and service. Frozen foods shall be stored at minus 18°C (0°F) or below at all times. There shall be an accurate thermometer in each refrigerator and freezer and in storerooms used for perishable foods. All foods stored in walk-in refrigerators and freezers shall be stored above the floor on shelves, racks, dollies or other surfaces that facilitate thorough cleaning.

(d) Pesticides and other toxic substances and drugs shall not be stored in the kitchen area or in storerooms for food or food preparation equipment and utensils.

(e) Soaps, detergents, cleaning compounds or similar substances shall be stored in separate storage areas.