Which scenario requires a variance from the local health authority?

Which scenario requires a variance from the local health authority?

• A. Washing produce
• B. Cooking chicken to 170°F
• C. Boiling water
• D. Displaying live molluscan shellfish in a tank

Answer: (D)

Some operations must get formal approval from the local health authority because they fall outside ordinary food-safety practices. Displaying live molluscan shellfish in a tank is one of those cases. Keeping live shellfish in water and showing it to customers creates unique risks that require specific controls—water quality, temperature management, monitoring, and handling procedures—and an approved plan from the health department. That’s why a variance is needed. Washing produce, cooking chicken to a safe internal temperature, and boiling water are all standard procedures covered by existing food-safety guidelines and don’t require a separate variance.

Some operations must get formal approval from the local health authority because they fall outside ordinary food-safety practices. Displaying live molluscan shellfish in a tank is one of those cases. Keeping live shellfish in water and showing it to customers creates unique risks that require specific controls—water quality, temperature management, monitoring, and handling procedures—and an approved plan from the health department. That’s why a variance is needed.

Washing produce, cooking chicken to a safe internal temperature, and boiling water are all standard procedures covered by existing food-safety guidelines and don’t require a separate variance.