Home · Fix Guides · Flies in Food Prep or Service Area — Openings Not Protected
PPriority · FDA Food Code 6-202.15 · 24-72 hours (Priority)

How to fix: Flies in Food Prep or Service Area — Openings Not Protected

Flies were observed in food preparation or service areas due to unprotected openings such as gaps in doors, windows, or screens.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 6-202.15 requires all outer openings of a food establishment to be protected against the entry of insects and rodents through tight-fitting doors, windows with intact screens (16 mesh per inch), air curtains, or other effective means. Flies are mechanical vectors for pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter — they carry bacteria on their bodies and deposit it on food and food-contact surfaces. Active fly presence in a kitchen or serving area is a Priority violation requiring immediate corrective action.

Step-by-step: how to fix this before re-inspection

1Identify and seal all gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and walls that could allow fly entry
2Repair or replace any torn or missing window screens (16 mesh per inch minimum)
3Install a door sweep or self-closing mechanism on all exterior doors
4Add an air curtain or insect light trap at high-traffic entry points
5Contact a licensed pest control operator for a professional assessment before re-inspection

What the inspector rechecks at re-inspection

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS

Inspectors do not just look at the surface. For this violation, expect them to verify:

☐Observes whether flies are present in food prep, storage, or serving areas
☐Inspects all outer doors, windows, and vents for gaps, tears, or missing screens
☐Checks whether back doors are propped open during service
☐Reviews whether an air curtain or fly-strip system is in place at high-traffic entries
☐Looks for any existing pest control records or service contracts

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Keep exterior doors closed whenever not in immediate use, especially during warm months
Schedule regular pest control service and maintain service records on file
Ensure all trash receptacles outside the building are covered and located away from entry doors

Related violations to check

Food Stored on the Floor→Wiping Cloths Not Stored in Sanitizer Between Uses→
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This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Always verify requirements with your local health department. Fix steps are based on FDA Food Code 6-202.15; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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