Violation

California Code § 87555(b)(21)Food Storage Temperatures

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

Type B, generalAffects rcfe42 facilities cited in the last 90 days

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to residents. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

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)(21) actually says

California Code § 87555(b)(21)

Freezers of adequate size shall be maintained at a temperature of 0 degrees F (-17.7 degrees C), and refrigerators of adequate size shall maintain a maximum temperature of 40 degrees F (4 degrees C). They shall be kept clean and food stored to enable adequate air circulation to maintain the above temperatures.

From the field

What operators tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

40 California RCFEs were cited for food storage temperature violations. LPAs check refrigerator and freezer thermometers during every kitchen inspection. Post a temperature log on each unit, record readings twice daily, and replace any appliance that cannot hold temperature. A blank log sheet is an immediate red flag for inspectors.

By the numbers

42^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
16^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady; Last 90 days vs. previous 90 days.

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

Check a facility

What other operators do

Common practices to stay clear of Food Storage Temperatures

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

Common practices

Maintain freezers at 0°F (-17.7°C) at all times
Keep refrigerators at or below 40°F (4°C) at all times
Store food to allow adequate air circulation for temperature maintenance
Keep all refrigerators and freezers clean

What to avoid

Overloading refrigerators so cold air cannot circulate properly
Failing to log temperatures on weekends and holidays
Ignoring aging equipment that struggles to maintain set temperatures
Placing thermometers in inaccurate locations inside the unit

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 Food Storage Temperatures, last 90 days
County	Citations
Los Angeles	7
Fresno	5
Contra Costa	5
Kern	4
Alameda	4
Orange	2
Sonoma	2
San Diego	2
Sacramento	2
Yuba	1

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-07-13Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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

What are the food storage temperature requirements for California RCFEs?

Title 22, Section 87555(b)(21) requires assisted living facilities to keep freezers at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.7 degrees Celsius) and refrigerators at a maximum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Both must be kept clean with food arranged to allow adequate air circulation so temperatures stay within range.

How common are food storage temperature citations in California assisted living?

CCLD inspection data shows 40 California RCFEs were cited under Section 87555(b)(21), totaling 42 citations across 16 counties. These violations are predominantly classified as Type B, meaning they pose a potential risk to residents if not corrected. Los Angeles County led with 7 affected facilities, and Fresno followed with 5.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for improper food storage temperatures?

Your community receives a Type B citation and must correct the temperature issue promptly. CCLD requires a Plan of Correction, and an LPA may conduct a follow-up visit to verify compliance. Type B citations carry civil penalties. Because elderly residents are especially vulnerable to foodborne illness, inspectors treat this deficiency seriously.

How do I prevent food storage temperature violations in my facility?

Place thermometers in every refrigerator and freezer, and log temperatures at least twice daily. Organize stored food to allow air circulation around all items. Clean condenser coils and door seals on a regular maintenance schedule to protect appliance efficiency. Replace any unit that cannot hold temperature consistently, and keep all equipment maintenance records.

Do food storage temperature citations affect my RCFE license?

Yes. Nutrition and food service deficiencies become part of your public licensing record with CCLD. Recurring temperature violations can trigger follow-up inspections and increased regulatory monitoring. A pattern of food safety citations may result in conditions placed on your license or mandatory corrective action plans during the renewal process for your RCFE.

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.

Every California assisted living facility's citation record is free to read. Browse facilities by county or look one up by name.

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