Food Handling Requirements

By Amy E. Feldman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- What do you need to know about health regulations at the places you dine?

Tween idol Ariana Grande was caught on a security camera at a bakery with her boyfriend, daring each other to lick the donuts on top of the counter. Dumb, gross, unsanitary—all things Ms. Grande and the food have been called. Also makes you wonder how many people whose daily antics aren't the subject of every tabloid scandal do the same thing?  And also: what does the law say about what precautions restaurants have to take to keep food sanitary?

The FDA does have food handling requirements that require food be prepared and refrigerated so it isn't contaminated or spoiled, and it requires that workers wash their hands among other food handling requirements.  The law also requires that food is kept from consumer contamination by display cases or food guards—as we call them: sneeze guards. But enforcement of sanitary regulations is left up to the local health departments which may be more or less rigorous in their inspections. Many cities publish health inspection grades so find out in your area which restaurants did well and which took a licking.