Although not a requirement in the City of Milwaukee or the Wisconsin Food code, the FDA has excellent recommendations for the clean up procedures for vomit and fecal accidents. We expect these recommendations will become a requirement in the next update of the food code and consider them to be good practice. Please see below on how to handle these situations.
FDA Requirements: All food establishments must have a procedure for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. (FDA 2013 Food Code 2-501.11)
Effective cleaning of vomitus and/or fecal matter accidents in a food establishment should be handled differently from routine cleaning/sanitizing procedures.
The following are recommended steps to incorporate in the cleaning of vomiting and diarrheal accidents:
1. Minimize the risk of disease transmission through the prompt removal of ill employees, customers and others from areas of food preparation, service, and storage. a. Exclude all employees that are experiencing symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhea and follow the employee health policy about when to restrict/exclude an ill food employee.
2. Segregate the area, and cover the vomit/fecal matter with single use disposable towels to prevent aerosolization.
3. Mix a chlorine bleach solution that is stronger than the chlorine solution used for general sanitizing [the CDC recommends 1000-5000 ppm or 5-25 tablespoons of household bleach (5.25%) per gallon of water.] Note: Some quaternary ammonia sanitizers may be approved by the EPA as effective for Norovirus. Read the label.
4. Wear disposable gloves during cleaning. To help prevent the spread of disease, it is highly recommended that a disposable mask and/or cover gown, (or apron), and shoe covers be worn when cleaning liquid matter.
5. Ensure the affected area is adequately ventilated (the chlorine bleach solution can become an irritant when inhaled for some individuals and can become an irritant on skin as well.)
6. Soak/wipe up the vomit and/or fecal matter with towels and dispose of them into a plastic garbage bag.
7. Apply the bleach solution onto the contaminated surface area and allow it to remain wet on the affected surface area for at least 10 minutes. Allow the area to air dry. Dispose of any remaining sanitizer solution once the accident has been cleaned up.
8. Discard all gloves, masks, and cover gowns (or aprons) in a plastic bag and dispose of the bag immediately.
9. Take measures to dispose of and/or clean and disinfect the tools and equipment used to clean up the vomit and/or fecal matter.
10. Properly wash your hands – and if possible take a shower and change your clothes.
11. Discard any food that may have been exposed in the affected area.
12. Document the information of the person(s) who was ill. Name, address, age, and travel history (itinerary of last few days), and a 3 day food consumption history should be included.
13. Complete an incident report of actions that were taken as a result of an individual being sick. Include the location of the incident, the time and date, and procedures of the cleanup process. Keep the information on file for at least a year.
