The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants hereby gives notice:
On August 5, 2011, the Department received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for paragraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code and Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2001 FDA Food Code from Dr. Smoothie, Pensacola, FL. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirement that each establishment have an approved plumbing system installed to transport wastewater. They are requesting to utilize holding tanks to provide potable water and to collect wastewater.
The Petition for this variance was published in Vol. 37, No. 34 on August 26, 2011. The Order for this Petition was signed on September 1, 2011, and after a complete review of the variance request, the Division finds that the application of this rule will create a financial hardship to the food service establishment. Furthermore, the Division finds that the Petitioner meets the burden of demonstrating that the underlying statute has been achieved by the Petitioner ensuring the wastewater holding tanks for the handwash and three-compartment sink are emptied at a frequency as to not create a sanitary nuisance; and potable water provided must come from an approved source and be protected from contamination during handling. The Petitioner shall also ensure that the handwash sink is provided with hot and cold running water under pressure; and the handwash sink is provided with soap, approved hand drying device and a handwashing sign.
A copy of the Order or additional information may be obtained by contacting:
Lydia.Gonzalez@dbpr.state.fl.us, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011.