15A NCAC 18A .1811       DRINKING WATER FACILITIES

(a)  Facilities for the dispensing of drinking water shall be of sanitary design.  If drinking fountains are provided, they shall be of angle‑jet type.

(b)  Multi-use utensils such as glasses, cups, ice buckets, or ice bucket lids when used, shall be washed, rinsed and subjected to an approved sanitizing treatment, and stored and handled in a manner to prevent contamination.  For the washing, sanitizing treatment, and storage of multi‑use utensils, equipment and methods meeting the requirements of the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments" 15A NCAC 18A .2600 shall be provided; except, when properly fitting disposable food grade liners are provided, ice buckets shall be treated as non-food contact surfaces and shall be washed, using an all purpose cleaner suitable for food contact surfaces, and rinsed. The lid used with the lined ice bucket shall be washed, rinsed and subjected to an approved sanitizing treatment in place.  The lavatory shall be cleaned and treated with an approved sanitizer prior to using the water from the lavatory to clean.  Submersion of ice buckets and lids during in-place cleaning procedures is not required.  Clean glasses shall be individually wrapped or fitted with a single-service cap that covers the edge of the glass.

(c)  Ice used for room service shall be manufactured from an approved water supply and shall be stored and handled in a sanitary manner.  Ice storage bins shall not be used for any other purpose and shall be kept clean and in good repair.  Where ice is made on the premises, the machines shall be located in a protected place.  Scoops shall be provided so guests or employees can dispense ice in a sanitary manner.  Machines, equipment, utensils, and the room or area in which the machines are located shall be kept clean and in good repair.  All ice machines for use by guests installed after January 1, 1996, shall dispense ice without exposing stored ice to guests.

(d)  Employees cleaning ice buckets, ice bucket lids, coffee or tea makers, shall wash their hands immediately prior to cleaning these items.

(e)  Single service glasses, cups, ice buckets, ice bucket lids, or food grade ice bucket liners may be used, if discarded after each use. Single service items, including clean disposable towels, shall be stored and handled in a manner to prevent contamination.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A‑248;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. December 5, 1977;

Amended Eff. January 1, 1996; September 1, 1990;

Temporary Amendment Eff. January 31, 2000;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2001.