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CCore · FDA Food Code 7-101.11 · 30-90 days (Core)

How to fix: Toxic Substances — Spray Bottles or Containers Not Labeled

Working containers of cleaning agents or other toxic substances were not labeled with the common name of their contents.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 7-101.11 requires that containers used to store or dispense poisonous or toxic materials — including spray bottles, squeeze bottles, and decanted cleaning solutions — be clearly labeled with the common name of the substance they contain. An unlabeled bottle of bleach solution can be mistaken for water; an unlabeled spray bottle of glass cleaner can be confused with a sanitizer. Mislabeled or unlabeled chemical containers have caused chemical food poisoning events when staff use them incorrectly. This Core violation is among the easiest to correct but is also frequently cited because it requires consistent staff habits to maintain.

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

1Label every spray bottle and chemical container in the kitchen with the product name before re-inspection
2Use permanent marker or adhesive labels that will not wash off in a wet environment
3Discard any unlabeled bottle whose contents are unknown — do not guess
4Brief all staff that bottles may never be used without a legible label

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:

☐Checks every spray bottle and working container in the kitchen for a legible label
☐Verifies labels name the actual contents — "cleaner" or the product name is acceptable; a blank bottle is not
☐Looks in storage areas, under sinks, and at every prep station
☐Checks whether the label is durable enough to withstand regular use and moisture

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Require all chemical containers to be labeled at the moment they are filled
Keep a marker near the chemical storage cabinet so labeling is immediate and convenient
Check all spray bottle labels on the opening checklist and replace any that have faded

Related violations to check

Toxic Chemicals Stored Above or Near Food→Improper Sanitizer Concentration→
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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 7-101.11; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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