16 Del. Admin. Code § 8-602.10

Current through Register Vol. 27, No. 12, June 1, 2024

Section 8-602.10 - General

If the Regulatory Authority determines that a food establishment is operating without a valid permit; that one or more conditions exist which represent an Imminent Health Hazard; or that serious violations, repeat violations, or general unsanitary conditions are found to exist, administrative action may occur. Administrative action will be conducted in accordance with the law.

(A) Operation without a Permit

(1) Immediate Closure Order. If a food establishment is found operating without a valid permit as required by subpart 8-301.11 of this Code, the Regulatory Authority shall order the facility immediately closed.

(2) Notice of Closure. The closure shall be effective upon receipt of a written notice by the person in charge of the food establishment or an employee of the food establishment. A closure notice statement recorded on the inspection report by the representative of the Regulatory Authority constitutes a written notice.

(3) Duration of Closure. The food establishment shall remain closed until a permit application, applicable fees and any required plans have been received and approved by the Regulatory Authority.

(B) Imminent Health Hazard(s)

(1) Permit Suspension without Hearing. If some condition is determined to exist in a food establishment which presents an imminent health hazard to the public, the Regulatory Authority may suspend the operating permit of the food establishment without a prior hearing. The suspension shall be effective upon receipt of written notice by the person in charge of the food establishment or an employee of the food establishment. A suspension statement recorded on the inspection report by the Regulatory Authority constitutes a written notice.

(2) A permit issued pursuant to subpart (1) shall not be suspended for a period longer than ten (10) government business days without a hearing. Failure to hold a hearing within the ten (10) government business day period shall automatically terminate the suspension.

(3) Hearing Request. The permit holder of the food establishment may request, in writing, a hearing before the Regulatory Authority at any time during the period of suspension, for the purpose of demonstrating that the imminent health hazard(s) no longer exist. The request for hearing shall not stay the suspension.

(C) Serious Violations, Repeat Violations and General Unsanitary Conditions. When conditions exist in a food establishment that represent serious violations, repeat violations or general unsanitary conditions, the Regulatory Authority may initiate a corrective action plan or schedule a hearing.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 8-602.10

17 DE Reg. 1084( 5/1/2014) (Final)