South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-84 - Standards for Licensing Community Residential Care Facilities
Sec2 61-84.1300 - MEAL SERVICE
Section 61-84.1300.1301 - General (II)

A. All facilities that prepare food on-site shall be approved by the Department, and shall be regulated, inspected, and graded pursuant to R.61-25. Facilities preparing food on-site and licensed for 16 beds or more subsequent to the promulgation of these regulations shall have kitchen equipment which meets the requirement of R.61-25. Existing facilities with 16 licensed beds or more may continue to operate with equipment currently in use; however, only certified/classified equipment shall be used when replacements are necessary. Those facilities with 15 beds or less shall be regulated pursuant to R.61-25 with certain exceptions in regard to food equipment (may utilize non-certified/non-classified food equipment).

EXCEPTION: In facilities with five beds or less, in lieu of a three-compartment sink, a non-certified/non-classified dishwasher may be used to wash equipment/utensils, provided the facility is equipped with at least a two-compartment sink used to sanitize and adequately air dry equipment/utensils. In facilities with 10 beds or less and licensed prior to May 24, 1991, as CRCF's, in which a two compartment sink serves to wash kitchen equipment/utensils, the facility shall provide an additional container of adequate length, width, and depth to completely immerse all equipment/utensils, for final sanitation. Non-certified/non-classified dishwashers may be utilized in facilities licensed with 10 beds or less prior to May 24, 1991, provided they are approved by the Department.

B. When meals are catered to a facility, such meals shall be obtained from a food service establishment graded by the Department, pursuant to R.61-25, and there shall be a written executed contract with the food service establishment.

C. If food is prepared at a central kitchen and delivered to separate facilities or separate buildings and/or floors of the same facility, provisions shall be made and approved by the Department for proper maintenance of food temperatures and a sanitary mode of transportation.

D. Food shall be palatable, properly prepared, and sufficient in quantity and quality to meet the daily nutritional needs of the residents in accordance with written dietary policies and procedures. Efforts shall be made to accommodate the religious, cultural, and ethnic preferences of each individual resident and consider variations of eating habits, unless the orders of a physician or other authorized healthcare provider contraindicate.

E. Liquid or powder soap dispensers and sanitary paper towels shall be available at each food service handwash lavatory. Alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizers shall not be used in lieu of liquid or powder soap.