What is the requirement for water used in food preparation and warewashing?
a.Any water is acceptable as long as it looks clear and has no odor
b.Only drinking water must be potable, not wash water
c.It must be rainwater (rooftop runoff) in a cistern
d.It must come from an approved, potable (drinkable) source
Explanation
All water used in a food establishment for drinking, food preparation, warewashing, and handwashing must come from an approved public water system or an approved, tested private source, meaning it is potable. Appearance and odor are not a safe test; water can look clear and still carry pathogens or chemicals, and the potable requirement covers warewashing exactly as it covers drinking. Collected rainwater is not an approved source. Non-potable water may only be used for restricted purposes like some irrigation, never for food contact.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §5-101.11Practice all 500 questions free — no signup required.
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