North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 15A - Environmental Quality
Chapter 18 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Subchapter A - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Section .2800 - SANITATION OF CHILD CARE CENTERS
Section 18A .2806 - FOOD STORAGE AND PROTECTION

(a) Once pre-packaged food has been opened, the food shall be stored in clean, resealable bags or containers made of plastic or glass that are tightly covered and manufactured for the purpose of food storage.

(b) Food that is stored in child care center classrooms or other rooms intended for child care use, shall be limited to foods that are individually packaged unless the classroom is equipped with a food preparation area.

(c) Notwithstanding Paragraph (b) of this Rule, bulk dry goods or food stored in freezers may be stored in rooms in child care centers that are not equipped with a food preparation area when all food preparation involving the bulk dry goods or frozen food is done in the kitchen or an approved food preparation area.

(d) Bulk food stored in a refrigerator shall be stored at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and stored in the child care center's kitchen or in an approved food preparation area equipped with a full-size refrigerator. Specialty bulk milk that is sent from home for consumption by a child while at the child care center may be stored as set forth in this Paragraph when the child's parent or guardian provides written permission and the specialty bulk milk is sent to the child care center at the beginning of each week unopened, labeled with the date received by the child care center, and labeled with the name of the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Any remaining bulk specialty milk shall be sent home at the end of the week with the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs.

(e) Dry goods that are stored in containers shall be labeled.

(f) Food and containers of food shall not be stored under exposed sewer lines. Food shall not be stored in toilet or laundry rooms, except that child care centers licensed for fewer than 13 children and located in a residence may store food in laundry rooms if the food is stored and protected as required in Paragraph (g) of this Rule.

(g) Food shall be stored above the floor and in a manner to protect it from dust, pests, drip, splash, and other contamination.

(h) Raw meats, poultry, fish, shellfish and eggs shall be stored in a refrigerator or freezer on shelving beneath and separate from other foods. The temperature of potentially hazardous food provided by the child care center for consumption by children shall be 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above at all times, including field trips, catering events, and outdoor service, except during periods of preparation and service immediately prior to consumption.

(i) Sealed, commercially pre-packaged food may be stored in undrained ice as long as the food is not fully submerged in ice or water. Wrapped sandwiches and other foods shall not be stored in direct contact with ice.

(j) The following shall apply to refrigerated storage of food:

(k) The following shall apply to the hot storage of food:

(l) In the event of a fire, flood, water supply interruption, power outage, or other event that results in the contamination of food, or that might prevent potentially hazardous food from being held at required temperatures, the person in charge shall either discard the food in question or contact the local health department for information on food safety.