§ 87555. General Food Service Requirements.

(a) The total daily diet shall be of the quality and in the quantity necessary to meet the needs of the residents an shall meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council. All food shall be selected, stored, prepared and served in a safe and healthful manner.

(b) The following food service requirements shall apply:

(1) Where all food is provided by the facility arrangements shall be made so that each resident has available at least three meals per day. Exceptions may be allowed on weekends and holidays providing the total daily food needs are met. Not more than fifteen (15) hours shall elapse between the third and first meal.

(2) Where meal service within a facility is elective, arrangements shall be made to assure availability of an adequate daily food intake for all residents who, in their admission agreement, elected meal service. If a resident's condition changes so that he is no longer able to cook or purchase his own meals, the admission agreement shall be modified and the resident provided full meal service.

(3) Between-meal nourishment or snacks shall be made available for all residents unless limited by dietary restrictions prescribed by a physician.

(4) Meals on the premises shall be served in a designated dining area suitable for the purpose and residents encouraged to have meals with other residents. Tray service shall be provided in case of temporary need.

(5) Meals shall consist of an appropriate variety of foods and shall be planned with consideration for cultural and religious background and food habits of residents.

(6) In facilities for sixteen (16) persons or more, menus shall be written at least one week in advance and copies of the menus as served shall be dated and kept on file for at least 30 days.

Facilities licensed for less than sixteen (16) residents shall maintain a sample menu in their file. Menus shall be made available for review by the residents or their designated representatives and the licensing agency upon request.

(7) Modified diets prescribed by a resident's physician as a medical necessity shall be provided.

(8) All food shall be of good quality. Commercial foods shall be approved by appropriate federal, state and local authorities. Food in damaged containers shall not be accepted, used or retained.

(9) Procedures which protect the safety, acceptability and nutritive values of food shall be observed in food storage, preparation and service.

(10) Where indicated, food shall be cut, chopped or ground to meet individual needs.

(11) Powdered milk shall not be used as a beverage but may be used in cooking or baking. Raw milk shall not be used. Milk shall be pasteurized.

(12) Except upon written approval by the licensing agency, meat, poultry and meat food products shall be inspected by state or federal authorities. Written evidence of such inspection shall be available for all products not purchased from commercial markets.

(13) Home canned foods shall not be used.

(14) If food is prepared off the facility premises, the preparation source shall meet all applicable requirements for commercial food services. The facility shall have adequate equipment and staff to receive and serve the food and for cleanup, and shall maintain adequate equipment for in-house preparation and service of food in emergencies.

(15) All persons engaged in food preparation and service shall observe personal hygiene and food services sanitation practices which protect the food from contamination.

(16) In facilities licensed for sixteen (16) to forty-nine (49) residents, one person shall be designated who has primary responsibility for food planning, preparation and service. This person shall be provided with appropriate training.

(17) In facilities licensed for fifty (50) or more, and providing three (3) meals per day, a full-time employee qualified by formal training or experience shall be responsible for the operation of the food service. If this person is not a nutritionist, a dietitian, or a home economist, provision shall be made for regular consultation from a person so qualified. The consultation services shall be provided at appropriate times, during at least one meal. A written record of the frequency, nature and duration of the consultant's visits shall be secured from the consultant and kept on file in the facility.

(18) Sufficient food service personnel shall be employed, trained and their working hours scheduled to meet the needs of residents.

(19) There shall be one or more dining rooms or similar areas suitable for serving residents at a meal service, in shifts where appropriate. The dining areas shall be convenient to the kitchen so that food may be served quickly and easily and shall be attractive and promote socialization among the diners.

(20) The ventilating systems in food preparation areas shall be maintained in working order and shall be operated when food is being prepared. Food preparation equipment shall be placed to provide aisles of sufficient width to permit easy movement of personnel, mobile equipment and supplies.

(21) Freezers of adequate size shall be maintained at a temperature of 0 degree F (-17.7 degree C), and refrigerators of adequate size shall maintain a maximum temperature of 40 degree F. (4 degree C). They shall be kept clean and food stored to enable adequate air circulation to maintain the above temperatures.

(22) Adequate space shall be maintained to accommodate equipment, personnel and procedures necessary for proper cleaning and sanitizing of dishes and other utensils.

(23) All readily perishable foods or beverages capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of micro-organisms which can cause food infections or food intoxications shall be stored in covered containers at appropriate temperatures.

(24) Pesticides and other toxic substances shall not be stored in food storerooms, kitchen areas, or where kitchen equipment or utensils are stored.

(25) Soaps, detergents, cleaning compounds or similar substances shall be stored in areas separate from food supplies.

(26) Supplies of nonperishable foods for a minimum of one week and perishable foods for a minimum of two days shall be maintained on the premises.

(27) All kitchen areas shall be kept clean and free of litter, rodents, vermin and insects.

(28) All food shall be protected against contamination. Contaminated food shall be discarded immediately upon discovery.

(29) All equipment, fixed or mobile, and dishes, shall be kept clean and maintained in good repair and free of breaks, open seams, cracks or chips.

(30) All utensils used for eating and drinking and in preparation of food and drink, shall be cleaned and sanitized after each usage.

(31) Dishes and utensils shall be disinfected:

(A ) In facilities using mechanical means, by either maintaining hot water at a minimum temperature of 170 degree F (77 degree C) at the final rinse cycle of dishwashing machines, or by disinfecting as specified in (B) below.

(B) In facilities not using mechanical means, by an alternative comparable method approved by the licensing agency or by the local health department, such as the addition of a sanitation agent to the final rinse water.

(32) Equipment of appropriate size and type shall be provided for the storage, preparation and service of food and for sanitizing utensils and tableware, and shall be well maintained.

(33) Tableware and tables, dishes, and utensils shall be sufficient in quantity to serve the residents.

(34) Adaptive devices shall be provided for self help in eating as needed by residents.

(c) The licensing agency may require the facility to provide written information as to the foods purchased and used over a given period when, based upon documentation, there is reason to believe that the food service requirements are not being met.

HISTORY

1. Change without regulatory effect adopting new article 10 (section 87555) and renumbering former section 87576 to section 87555, including amendment of section heading and Note, filed 3-5-2008 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2008, No. 10).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Section 1569.30, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1569.1, 1569.2, 1569.31 and 1569.312, Health and Safety Code.