Violation

California Code § 87555(b)(23)Perishable Food 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 rcfe97 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)(23) actually says

California Code § 87555(b)(23)

All readily perishable foods or beverages capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of micro-organisms which can cause food infections or food intoxications shall be stored in covered containers at appropriate temperatures.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

85 California RCFEs were cited for perishable food storage violations. LPAs open your refrigerator within minutes of entering the kitchen. Keep a container of lids next to every food storage area and post a temperature log on the fridge door. These two habits take under ten minutes a day and stop a common Type B citation.

By the numbers

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

97 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 Perishable Food Storage

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

Common practices

Store all perishable foods and beverages in covered containers
Maintain appropriate cold and hot holding temperatures at all times
Protect foods that support rapid microorganism growth from contamination
Ensure kitchen staff follow safe storage practices during every shift

What to avoid

Leftovers left uncovered on counters during and after meal service
Refrigerator temperature running above 41 degrees Fahrenheit unnoticed
Food containers stored without labels or preparation dates
Prepared dishes sitting out past the safe holding time window

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 Perishable Food Storage, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Contra Costa	13	--	--
Alameda	10	--	--
Los Angeles	9	--	--
Sonoma	8	--	--
Orange	7	--	--
San Bernardino	7	--	--
Riverside	4	--	--
San Diego	4	--	--
Kern	3	--	--
San Luis Obispo	3	--	--

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 perishable food storage requirement for California RCFEs?

Title 22, Section 87555(b)(23) requires that all readily perishable foods and beverages be stored in covered containers at appropriate temperatures. This applies to any food capable of supporting rapid growth of harmful microorganisms. The rule protects residents from food infections and intoxications, which can be especially dangerous for elderly individuals with weakened immune systems.

How common is the perishable food storage violation in California assisted living?

According to California CCLD inspection records, 85 RCFEs were cited for this Type B violation, totaling 97 citations across 22 counties. Contra Costa County led with 13 citations, followed by Alameda with 10. LPAs routinely check refrigerators and food prep areas during inspections, making this one of the more frequent kitchen-related deficiencies statewide.

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

A Type B citation means the violation could become a health risk if not corrected. The facility must submit a plan of correction to CCLD. Type B citations carry civil penalties. If food storage problems recur, the LPA may conduct a follow-up inspection targeting the kitchen specifically. Repeated issues can escalate enforcement action against the facility.

How do I fix or prevent a perishable food storage citation?

Cover all perishable items immediately after food service ends. Check refrigerator temperatures daily using a calibrated thermometer, keeping cold foods at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Label all stored containers with the date prepared. Assign one staff member per shift to complete a quick kitchen walk-through. LPAs typically inspect the refrigerator first when they review the kitchen.

Does a perishable food storage citation affect my RCFE license?

A single Type B citation does not automatically jeopardize your license. However, repeated food safety violations signal a systemic problem to CCLD. Accumulated deficiencies in nutrition and food service can trigger conditional license status and more frequent unannounced inspections. Keeping the kitchen compliant protects both your residents and your standing with Licensing.

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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