Violation

California Code § 87555(b)(26)Food Stock Levels

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 rcfe212 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)(26) actually says

California Code § 87555(b)(26)

Supplies of nonperishable foods for a minimum of one week and perishable foods for a minimum of two days shall be maintained on the premises.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

200 California RCFEs have been cited for low food stock. Post a dated inventory sheet on the pantry door and reorder before you hit a one-week nonperishable, two-day perishable minimum. An LPA counts your shelves during the kitchen check, and a guess does not pass.

By the numbers

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

212 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 Food Stock Levels

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

Common practices

Keep at least one week of nonperishable food on site
Keep at least two days of perishable food on site
Maintain these minimums at all times, not just before inspections

What to avoid

Counting a rough guess instead of a true one-week supply
Letting perishables run below the two-day minimum mid-week
Reordering only after the shelves are already empty

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 Stock Levels, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Los Angeles	48	--	--
Contra Costa	30	--	--
Alameda	15	--	--
Kern	11	--	--
Orange	11	--	--
Riverside	11	--	--
San Bernardino	11	--	--
San Mateo	10	--	--
Sacramento	10	--	--
Fresno	6	--	--

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 an onsite food stock violation in an RCFE?

It means the facility did not keep the required food on hand: at least one week of nonperishable food and two days of perishable food. Title 22, Section 87555(b)(26) sets this minimum so residents keep eating on schedule during a delivery delay, a storm, or a budget crunch. Empty shelves put meal service and resident nutrition at risk, which is how the shortage gets cited.

How common is this violation in California assisted living?

It shows up often during routine kitchen checks. According to California CCLD inspection records, 200 California RCFEs have been cited under Section 87555(b)(26), most as Type B violations, meaning a potential risk if the shortage is not corrected. Los Angeles County leads with 53 citations, followed by Contra Costa with 30 and Alameda with 15. Food stock is one of the easier deficiencies to avoid.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for low food stock?

As a Type B citation, this is treated as a potential risk rather than an immediate one. The LPA notes the shortfall, sets a correction deadline, and expects proof that stock levels meet the minimum at the follow-up. Type B citations carry civil penalties, though lower than Type A penalties. Ignoring a Type B can let it harden into a repeat finding, which draws more attention.

How do I fix or prevent this violation?

Set a par level for staple foods and check it the same day each week. Post a simple inventory sheet on the pantry door and have the cook initial it. Count a true one-week supply of nonperishables and a two-day supply of perishables, not a guess. Reorder before you hit the minimum, allowing for delivery time. A dated log shows the LPA your shelves stay stocked between visits.

Does this violation affect my RCFE license?

A single Type B food stock citation is unlikely to threaten your license, but CCLD keeps it in your facility record. Repeated food and nutrition findings build a pattern that licensing reviewers notice, especially alongside other kitchen or care deficiencies. The practical risk is reputational and operational: families and placement professionals read inspection histories. Correct the shortage fast and keep your inventory log current.

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.

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