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The FDA Food Code requires poisonous or toxic materials to be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service and single-use articles.
More key points
- Separate them by spacing or partitioning and keep them out of storage positions above those items.
- A narrow exception allows certain cleaners and sanitizers in warewashing areas when positioned to prevent contamination.
On this page6 sections
Chemical storage is about preventing a spill, leak, spray, or residue from reaching food or a food-contact item. The label is not enough. A bottle with a clear label is not safe just because staff know what is inside it. The storage location must prevent contamination if a container tips, leaks, or is used incorrectly.
The separation rule
FDA Food Code 2026 Section 7-201.11 requires poisonous or toxic materials to be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service and single-use articles. It gives two core controls: separate the materials by spacing or partitioning, and locate them so they are not above food or those protected items.
| Material or location | Storage decision |
|---|---|
| Cleaner, sanitizer, pesticide, or other toxic material | Keep separated by spacing or a partition from food and food-contact supplies. |
| Chemical shelf above ingredients or clean utensils | Not permitted; relocate the chemical or protected items. |
| Warewashing detergent and sanitizer near a sink or machine | May be stored in the warewashing area for availability if positioned to prevent contamination. |
| Chemical applied to a surface | Follow label and code conditions so drip, drain, fog, splash, or spray cannot contaminate food or equipment. |
| Unneeded poisonous material in the establishment | Remove it; only materials required for establishment operation and maintenance are allowed under the model code. |
The warewashing exception is narrow
The Code allows equipment and utensil cleaners and sanitizers in warewashing areas for availability and convenience when they are stored to prevent contamination. That does not permit chemicals above clean dishes, food, or utensils. The product still needs to be identified and used according to law, label directions, and regulatory conditions.
Storage is only one control
The FDA Food Code also restricts poisonous or toxic materials permitted in the establishment to those needed for operation and maintenance, such as cleaning, sanitizing, or pest control. Use them as directed, and apply them so residues from drip, drain, fog, splash, or spray do not contaminate food or food-contact articles. Correct a storage problem promptly and protect any item that may have been exposed.
How to inspect a chemical-storage area
- Identify each chemical and check that it is approved for the establishment's use.
- Keep chemicals below or apart from food, clean utensils, linens, and disposable items.
- Use dedicated, clearly designated storage with spacing or a physical partition.
- Secure containers against tipping and leaks and follow label instructions.
- Check adjacent shelves and the floor for residue, spills, or contaminated supplies.
Exam traps
- Storing sanitizer over a food-prep surface because the container is closed.
- Treating labeling as a substitute for separation.
- Applying the warewashing-area exception to food or clean utensils stored next to chemicals.
- Ignoring spray or splash contamination during chemical use.
- Keeping chemicals that are not needed to operate or maintain the establishment.
Key takeaway
Store toxic materials apart from food and food-contact items, and never above them. The warewashing exception allows convenient access only when placement still prevents contamination.
Common questions
Can sanitizer be stored above clean utensils?
No. Toxic materials must be positioned so they cannot contaminate utensils; the general rule also says they may not be located above them.
Can cleaning chemicals be stored near a dishwashing machine?
Certain equipment and utensil cleaners and sanitizers may be kept in warewashing areas when placed to prevent contamination.
Does a closed container make chemical storage above food acceptable?
No. The rule requires storage placement that prevents contamination, including separation and avoiding placement above food and protected supplies.