NAC446.110. Storage of food, containers of food and packaged food; resale of food from bulk containers.

     1. Containers of food in a food establishment must be stored at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) above the floor in a manner that protects the food from contamination and permits easy cleaning of the storage area with the following exceptions:

     (a) Metal containers for beverages which have been pressurized and cases of food packaged in cans, glass or other waterproof containers need not be elevated when the containers are not exposed to moisture on the floor.

     (b) Containers may be stored on dollies, racks or pallets if such equipment is easy to move.

     2. Food and containers of food must not be stored under any exposed or unprotected sewer lines or waterlines, unless the lines are automatic sprinklers required by law.

     3. Food may not be stored in rooms with toilets, vestibules or lockers, or in rooms containing garbage or mechanical facilities.

     4. Packaged food may not be stored in a wet environment. However, packaged food placed in containers made of impervious glass or metal may be stored in drained ice. Wrapped sandwiches may not be stored in direct contact with ice.

     5. Food which:

     (a) Is spoiled;

     (b) Is in a container that has sustained damage which may affect it; or

     (c) Has been returned to or is being detained by the food establishment because of public health considerations,

Ê must be segregated and held in designated areas pending proper disposition unless it is disposed of under the supervision of the health authority. For the purposes of this subsection, a hermetically sealed container that has sustained damage to the seams on the top, bottom or side of the container or that has sustained sharp or creasing dents to areas other than the seams shall be deemed a container that has sustained damage that may affect the food contained inside the container.

     6. Food from bulk containers returned to a retail store by a customer may not be offered for resale.

     7. Containers of bulk pet food and bulk nonfood items must be separated from food items by a barrier or open space of not less than 12 inches (30 centimeters).

     [Bd. of Health, Food Establishments Reg. Art. 3 § 3.3 subsec. 3.3.4, eff. 9-17-82]—(NAC A 10-14-88; 5-23-96)