(1) A forensic mental facility (FMHF) must establish and maintain standards relative to food sources, refrigeration, refuse handling, pest control, storage, preparation, procuring, serving, handling food, and dish washing procedures that are sufficient to prevent food spoilage and the transmission of infectious disease. These standards must include the following:

(a) a requirement that food must be obtained from sources that comply with all laws relating to food and food labeling;

(b) a prohibition of the use of home-canned foods;

(c) a requirement that food subject to spoilage is removed from its original container and kept sealed, labeled, and dated.

(2) Foods must be served in amounts and with enough variety to meet the nutritional needs of each client. An FMHF must provide therapeutic diets when prescribed by the client's practitioner. At least three meals must be offered daily and at regular times, with not more than a 12-hour span between an evening meal and breakfast unless a nutritious snack is available in the evening, then up to 16 hours may lapse between a substantial evening meal and breakfast.

(3) Records of menus as served must be filed on the premises for three months after the date of service.

(4) An FMHF must have an approved dietary manual for reference when preparing meals for clients requiring therapeutic or special diets. Dietitian consultation must be provided as necessary and documented for clients requiring therapeutic or special diets.

(5) Potentially hazardous food, such as meat and milk products, must be stored at 41° F or below. Hot food must be kept at 140° F or above during preparation and serving.

(6) Freezers must be kept at a temperature of 0° F or below and refrigerators must be kept at a temperature of 41° F or below. Thermometers must be placed in the warmest area of the refrigerator and freezer to ensure proper temperature. Temperatures must be monitored and recorded at least once a month and records must be maintained at the facility for one year.

(7) Employees must maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and must conform to good hygienic practice and food handling requirements when working in food service.

(8) Food service employees must not work in the FMHF food service area while infected with a communicable disease that can be transmitted by foods.