<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".17" citation="COMAR 10.15.03.17" title_num="10" subtitle_num="15" chapter_num="03" heading="Storage and Handling of Cleaned Equipment and Utensils.">
  <text>The person-in-charge shall ensure that:</text>
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Contamination of food-contact surfaces of cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils is prevented by handling:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Cleaned spoons, knives, and forks by the utensil's handles only; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Cleaned cups, glasses, and bowls so that hands do not contact inside surfaces or mouth-contact surfaces;</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The food-contact surfaces of equipment are protected from:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Splash;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Dust; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Other contamination;</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Cleaned and sanitized food equipment, portable equipment, and utensils are stored:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A minimum of 18 inches above the floor when not fully protected by an enclosure with doors;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>In a clean, dry location; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>In a space that affords protection from splash, dust, and other contamination;</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Utensils are:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Air dried before being stored; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Stored in a self-draining position on hooks or racks constructed of a corrosion resistant material;</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Stored containers and utensils are covered or inverted whenever possible;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Flatware is stored in containers designed to present the handle to the employee or customer;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Toilet rooms or vestibules are not used to store:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Food equipment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Utensils; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Single service articles; and</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>Single service articles are:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Stored in closed cartons or containers to protect the articles from contamination;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Handled and dispensed in a manner that prevents contamination of surfaces that come into contact with food or the mouth of the user; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Used only once.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>