{"data":{"id":"us-va/12vac5-421-550","jurisdiction":"us-va","citation":"12VAC5-421-550","heading":"In-use utensils, between-use storage","body":"During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored:\n\n1. Except as specified under subdivision 2 of this section, in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container;\n\n2. In food that is not  time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon;\n\n3. On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency specified under 12VAC5-421-1780 and 12VAC5-421-1890;\n\n4. In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes;\n\n5. In a clean, protected location if the utensils, such as ice scoops, are used only with a food that is not  time/temperature control for safety food; or\n\n6. In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F (57°C) and the container is cleaned at a frequency specified under 12VAC5-421-1780 D 7.","path":["Title 12. Health","Agency 5. Department of Health","Chapter 421. Food Regulations","Part III. Food","Article 3. Protection from Contamination after Receiving"],"source_url":"https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title12/agency5/chapter421/section550/","current_through":"2026 Regular Session (effective July 1, 2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T04:50:14Z","sha256":"ffe4ba85656bce7309f853dde4a39119ca54a2c4d30ffce0f0f3370363d899cc","source_id":"us-va-vac","stale":false,"prev":"us-va/12vac5-421-540","next":"us-va/12vac5-421-560"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}