<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 13A.16.12.04" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="16" chapter_num="12" heading="Food Storage and Preparation.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An operator shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Protect all food from contamination while it is being stored, transported, or displayed; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Prepare and serve food, including infant formula, in a safe, sanitary, and healthful manner.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>There shall be sufficient storage areas for all food brought from home and all food held in reserve for service by the operator.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Food shall be stored:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In an area that is dry, cool, well-ventilated, well-lighted, and equipped with easily cleanable shelving; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>At least 6 inches off the floor to facilitate cleaning.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>In a small center, food may be stored:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Separately from family food; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>With family food if the operator chooses to have the entire family food storage area inspected.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>If food is transferred for storage from its original container, the operator shall provide a secondary storage container that is:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Easily cleanable;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Nontoxic;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Nonabsorbent;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Tightly closed; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Clearly labeled as to its contents.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The operator:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>May not store food below overhead waste lines;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Shall maintain cooked, potentially hazardous hot food at or above a temperature of 140° F;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Shall refrigerate potentially hazardous food at or below a temperature of 40° F;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Shall keep frozen food at or below 0° F; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Shall restrict the movement of pets and other animals so that food and food contact surfaces are not contaminated.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Single service items such as paper and plastic cups, containers, lids, plates, knives, forks, spoons, and placemats shall be:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Used only once; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Stored, handled, and dispensed to protect them from contamination.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>During an activity in which the children prepare food, the activity shall be planned and carried out in a manner consistent with the safety and health practices required in this subtitle.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>The operator shall discard:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>All spoiled fruits, vegetables, or other food;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Refrozen food;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Potentially hazardous frozen food that has been thawed and not immediately cooked and served;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Swelled, rusty, or leaky canned foods;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Foods exposed to fire, smoke, or water damage;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>After a child finishes eating, any remaining food that has come into contact with:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The child's mouth; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An eating utensil that has been used by the child; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>After being left out for consumption by children during a meal or snack, any milk remaining in an opened original container, a pitcher or similar container, or a drinking vessel.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="J.">
    <text>The operator shall send home or discard at the end of each day all opened containers of food brought from home for a child.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>