Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Transition to the 2009 FDA Food Code and Updates to the Hotel Inspection Process

2009 Food Code

Effective January 1, 2013, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants will adopt provisions of the 2009 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code. We are confident that the updates will lead to more efficient and smarter regulations which will improve the inspection process, ultimately allowing operators to better serve their customers.

Download the educational video on the new process here and a copy of the video transcript here.

Download a copy of the Industry Bulletin here.

Download the reference flyer here.

For a copy of the entire 2009 Food Code, please feel free to visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/statutes/food-code.html.

One of the most important changes is a new three-tiered violation classification system that will replace the “critical” or “non-critical” classification currently in use. The new system will use the terms “High Priority,” “Intermediate” and “Basic” which will better define violation information for operators and consumers, making the whole process easier to understand.

Definitions

• High Priority food service violations are those which could contribute directly to a foodborne illness or injury. High Priority lodging violations are those which could pose a direct or significant threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.

  • Food Service High Priority Violation Category List
  • Lodging High Priority Violation Category List

• Intermediate food service violations are those which, if not addressed, could lead to risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness or injury. Intermediate lodging violations are those which relate to specific actions, equipment or procedures that contribute to the occurrence of a high priority violation if left unaddressed.

  • Food Service Intermediate Violation Category List
  • Lodging Intermediate Violation Category List

• Basic violations are those which are considered best practices to implement.

  • Food Service Basic Violation Category List
  • Lodging Basic Violation Category List

To download a complete copy of the new food service violation classifications, please click here.

If you are a food service operator and have any additional questions, please call 850-487-1395 or feel free to visit your local District Office. If you are unsure of where to find your local district office, please visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/contact.html.

Updates to Hotel Inspection Process

In addition to the changes outlined above for food service operators, lodging operators will also undergo inspections with the new three-tiered system to replace the designations of “critical” or “non-critical” violations. The Division will now use the terms “High Priority,” “Intermediate” and “Basic” violations, as well as “Reporting” violations that address reporting requirements related to fire safety issues. These terms will better define violation information for operators and consumers, making the whole process easier to understand.

To download a complete copy of the new lodging violation classifications, please click here.