Section 410IAC7-24-136. Eating, drinking, or using tobacco

   (a) Except as specified in subsection (b), an employee shall chew gum, eat and drink food, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of:

(1) exposed food;

(2) clean equipment, utensils, and linens;

(3) unwrapped single-service and single-use articles; or

(4) other items needing protection;

cannot result.

  (b) A food employee may drink from a closed beverage container if the container is handled in a manner that prevents contamination of the following:

(1) The employee's hands.

(2) The container.

(3) Exposed food.

(4) Clean equipment, utensils, and linens.

(5) Unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.

  (c) For purposes of this section, a violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a critical item. (Indiana State Department of Health; 410 IAC 7-24-136; filed Oct 13, 2004, 12:30 p.m.: 28 IR 845; readopted filed Jul 15, 2010, 12:12 p.m.: 20100728-IR-410100261RFA; readopted filed Nov 10, 2016, 8:45 a.m.: 20161207-IR-410160371RFA)