Who is legally permitted to apply pesticides inside a California retail food facility?
Explanation
California Retail Food Code HSC §114259.5 and California Business and Professions Code §8505 require pesticide application inside a food facility to be performed by a Pest Control Operator (PCO) licensed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The PCO must use only pesticides labeled for commercial food-handling establishments, protect food and utensils during application, and provide the operator with a copy of the Pesticide Application Notice and applicable Safety Data Sheets. Option A is wrong because home-use products are not labeled for food facilities and DIY application is prohibited. Option B is wrong because the Food Handler Card does not authorize pesticide use. Option C is wrong because the CFM/FSM credential covers food safety knowledge, not pesticide application authority. The PCO requirement protects against the very real risk of pesticide residue contaminating food, ventilation, or food-contact surfaces — a category of incident that has caused California restaurant closures and acute illness outbreaks. Operators must keep the PCO contract and recent service reports on premises for inspector review.
Law Reference: HSC §114259.5Practice all 319 questions free — no signup required.
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