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PPriority · FDA Food Code 7-202.12 · Immediate correction (Priority)

How to fix: Toxic or Chemical Substances — Improper Use or Application

A chemical sanitizer, pesticide, or cleaning agent was used in a manner or at a concentration inconsistent with its label, creating a food safety risk.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 7-202.12 requires that toxic substances — sanitizers, pesticides, lubricants, and cleaning agents — be used in accordance with their label directions and applicable laws. Using a pesticide in a kitchen without reading the label, applying sanitizer at more than twice the recommended concentration, spraying chemicals near food, or using a chemical not approved for food service are all violations of this section. Over-concentration of sanitizers can leave chemical residues on food-contact surfaces that contaminate food. Pesticide use in a food service area must be done by a licensed applicator or strictly according to the product label's food service use instructions.

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

1Read the label of every chemical in the facility and confirm it is approved for use in food service environments
2Check sanitizer concentrations and adjust to the labeled range — too high is a violation, just as too low is
3Remove any pesticides not labeled for food service use from the premises immediately
4Use only licensed pest control applicators for any pesticide applications inside the facility
5Train all staff who handle chemicals on reading labels and following dilution instructions

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:

☐Reviews chemical product labels for food service approval and checks that use instructions are being followed
☐Checks sanitizer concentrations to ensure they are within the labeled range — not significantly over
☐Asks who applies pesticides and whether a licensed pest control professional is used
☐Looks for any unlabeled chemical containers or chemicals stored in food containers
☐Verifies that only food-service-approved chemicals are present in the establishment

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Maintain an approved chemical inventory list and only order products on that list
Include chemical label review in new employee onboarding for anyone handling cleaning products
Use a pest control contract with a licensed provider to eliminate the need for self-applied pesticides

Related violations to check

Improper Storage of Toxic Chemicals→Toxic Substances Not Labeled→Sanitizer Concentration Out of Range→
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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 7-202.12; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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