Violation

California Code § 87555(b)(25)Cleaning Chemical Storage

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what providers do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type B, generalAffects rcfe40 facilities cited in the last 90 days

ℹ️ Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer →

Regulation text

What California Code § 87555(b)(25) actually says

California Code § 87555(b)(25)

Soaps, detergents, cleaning compounds or similar substances shall be stored in areas separate from food supplies.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

42 California RCFEs were cited for storing cleaning chemicals near food. An LPA will open cabinets under kitchen sinks and check pantry shelves within minutes of arriving. Move all cleaning products to a separate, designated closet today.

By the numbers

40^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
15^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady

40 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other providers do

Common practices to stay clear of Cleaning Chemical Storage

Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

Store soaps and detergents in areas separate from food
Keep cleaning compounds in designated storage away from kitchens
Label all chemical containers clearly
Ensure residents cannot access cleaning supply storage areas

What to avoid

Keeping cleaning spray bottles under the kitchen sink
Storing dish soap next to food items in the pantry
Leaving cleaning supplies on a cart in the dining area after meals
Unlabeled chemical bottles in accessible supply closets

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records.

Regional citations for Cleaning Chemical Storage, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Alameda	9	--	--
Contra Costa	7	--	--
Los Angeles	5	--	--
Kern	2	--	--
Fresno	2	--	--
San Mateo	2	--	--
Sacramento	2	--	--
Stanislaus	2	--	--
Yuba	1	--	--
Kings	1	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-30Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is the cleaning chemical storage violation in California RCFEs?

Title 22, Section 87555(b)(25) requires California RCFEs to store soaps, detergents, and cleaning compounds in areas completely separate from food supplies. This prevents chemical contamination of food and accidental ingestion by residents. Residents with cognitive impairments may not recognize cleaning products as hazardous, so physical separation is a key safeguard. An LPA will check storage areas during inspections.

How common is the cleaning chemical storage citation in California assisted living?

According to public CCLD inspection records, 42 California RCFEs were cited for improper storage of cleaning chemicals. This is a Type B deficiency, meaning it poses a potential rather than immediate risk to residents. Alameda County led with 9 citations, followed by Contra Costa with 8. Inspectors commonly find this during kitchen and supply closet walk-throughs.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for chemical storage violations?

A Type B citation requires the facility to move cleaning products away from food storage areas and submit a plan of correction. The LPA may conduct a follow-up visit to confirm compliance. Type B citations carry lower civil penalties than Type A, but a pattern of repeated deficiencies draws increased scrutiny from CCLD. The citation appears on the facility's public record.

How do I fix or prevent a cleaning chemical storage citation?

Designate a locked or separate storage closet exclusively for cleaning supplies, away from all food areas. Install shelving that keeps chemicals below eye level and clearly labeled. Remove any cleaning products currently stored in or near the kitchen, pantry, or resident food areas. LPAs check under sinks and supply closets near kitchens within the first minutes of an inspection.

Does a chemical storage citation affect my RCFE license?

A single Type B citation will not suspend your license, but CCLD tracks your deficiency history over time. Repeated violations in the same category signal a systemic problem and can trigger more frequent inspections or enforcement actions. Staying compliant with Title 22, Section 87555(b)(25) protects your license standing and your residents' safety.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed residential care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

Share ReadyRule: