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FSN98-05 (March 21, 1998)
Consumers and
retailers alike enjoy the convenience and flexibility of self-service soda dispensers.
However, in those situations where customers may drink from and refill the same container,
precautions must be taken to prevent contamination of the dispensing equipment by contact
with the "mouth-contact area" of the container.
Section 114010 of the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law
(CURFFL) requires that food be protected from contamination while being served.
Furthermore, Section114080 describes the requirements for self-service dispensing of
ready-to-eat food, and includes provisions for approval of mechanical dispensers and
devices.
At least two methods of sanitary self-service dispensing of soda have
been approved and found to be in full compliance with the requirements of CURFFL.
- The customer places the container under a nozzle and presses a button to
dispense product. The container does not contact the dispenser in the "mouth-contact
area" during filling.
- The customer places the container under a nozzle and pushes a specially
designed lever behind the nozzle with the container to begin dispensing. The lever is
designed to extend down the length of the container, coming in contact at a spot well
below the "mouth-contact area".
Both of these have been reviewed and found to be acceptable by the
California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health.
Beverage dispensers must meet applicable standards for food equipment
and be listed by recognized testing organizations. The Department of
Health Services recognizes Standard 18, Manual Food and Beverage
Dispensing Equipment, promulgated by NSF International, as applicable to
self-service soda dispensers. For purposes of example, and without any
specific endorsement, it may be noted that the Lancer Corporation model
100SL (Self-Serve Lever) post-mix dispensing valve is listed by NSF
International as meeting Standard 18. Self-service soda dispensers
equipped with this valve and otherwise properly installed and maintained
are approved for use in food facilities in California.
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