Iowa Handwashing Sink Regulations

Like most states, Iowa has rules and regulations that help keep everyone safe. And, like most states, Iowa has rules and regulations regarding handwashing sinks that apply to a broad range of industries. However, unlike many states, Iowa has a single set of handwashing sink regulations that apply to nearly every industry, making compliance fairly straightforward.

What Department Regulates Handwashing Sinks in Iowa?

A single agency oversees food safety in Iowa. In this case, it’s the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). This single department inspects, licenses, and certifies a broad range of industries, including healthcare providers, restaurants and grocery stores, fireworks and explosives companies, and fire safety systems, to name a few. More specifically, Chapters 30 and 31 of the Iowa Administrative Code establish DIAL’s authority to regulate the safety standards outlined in the Code.

Unlike most states, though, DIAL has a single set of safety rules and regulations that apply to nearly all food service providers in the state. With rare exception, DIAL’s regulations — including handwashing sink regulations – are based on the 2017 version of the FDA Food Code.

What Does the Food Code Say About Handwashing Sinks?

The Food Code outlines the minimum standards a handwashing sink must meet to maintain high levels of safety in all food service establishments. Every handwashing sink must:

• Be a dedicated handwashing sink and not used for food preparation, washing dishes, or any other kind of service (like rinsing a mop)
• Provide hot water that’s at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit via a mixing valve or combination faucet.
• Have running water for at least 15 seconds if the faucet is automatic
• Be conveniently located near the food prep, food dispensing, and dishwashing areas.
• Provide liquid, powder, or bar soap at every sink or a group of two handwashing sinks.
• Provide single-use paper towels, air dryer, air knife, or continuous towel system to dry hands.
• Have a waste basket if providing towels.

In Iowa, handwashing sinks in the following industries must meet these minimum handwashing sink requirements:

• Retail food establishments, like grocery stores
• Food service establishments, like restaurants, bars, and concession stands
• Farmers markets
• Food processing plants
• Unattended food establishments and vending machines
• Home food processing establishments, but not cottage food providers
• Mobile food units, like food trucks or pushcarts, if they serve precooked or prewrapped foods
• Hotels and motels, including bed and breakfasts

Iowa Handwashing Sink Regulations for Temporary Food Establishments and Events

The one notable exception to the general handwashing sink regulations is for temporary food vendors. All temporary food vendors must be licensed by DIAL prior to selling food at the event and can apply for a single-use permit to work at the one event, or apply for an annual permit if they operate at multiple temporary events throughout the year.

An event is temporary when it:

• Has more than 10 food vendors (except for fairs and farmers’ markets)
• Has vendors who provide food for fewer than 14 days

All temporary food establishments must provide handwashing stations for staff that:

• Is accessible within the food service area
• Is only for hands
• Provides single-use paper towels and a garbage can

If the vendor has a separate grill area, it must also have a separate and dedicated handwashing station.

Temporary food establishments are allowed to use portable handwashing sinks if the sink:

• Has a water flow that starts within 10 seconds of opening the tap
• Includes soap and paper towels
• Provides a minimum of two gallons of potable water per person for every four hours of use
• Includes a separate waste water container
• Does not create a wet or muddy area near the portable sink

Handwashing Sink Regulations for Body Art Shops

While tattoo and body art shops are not in the food service industry, DIAL is also responsible for regulating all permanent, temporary, and mobile tattoo and body art shops. All of these facilities must have a permit, which includes meeting the handwashing sink regulations outlined in Chapter 492 of the Code. All body art shops must have a handwashing sink for operators with:

• Pressurized hot and cold running water and liquid soap
• Provides single-use paper towels or air dryer

Mobile units also must have: 

• An “adequate” supply of potable water with clearly labeled clean and waste water tanks
• A waste water tank that’s at least 15% larger than the clean water tank

Child Care Center Handwashing Sink Regulations

All child care centers in Iowa are overseen and regulated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including licensed child care centers. Licensed day care centers must meet handwashing sink regulations, which vary based on when the building was built.

All child care centers must have at least one sink for every 15 children who are older than age two. If the building was built after 1995, there must be one sink in the same area as the toilet. If it was built after 1998, there must be one sink in the infant and toddler rooms, near the diaper change area.

Ozark River Manufacturing’s Portable Sink Solutions

Iowa maintains a relatively straightforward set of handwashing sink regulations that apply to a variety of industries, making compliance relatively simple. Of course, complying with the regulations could mean an expensive and messy retrofit that could impact your business for days. Fortunately, Iowa recognizes that remodeling isn’t always the best option and allows you to use a portable sink instead.

Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sink solutions meet or exceed Iowa’s hand washing sink regulations, making compliance easy. All you have to do is order a new portable sink, take it out of the box, and plug it in. You’ll have access to fresh, clean, safe hot and cold running water in a snap. What’s more, our sinks come in a variety of styles and colors, making them suitable for a wide range of industries, including:

Check out our full line of portable sinks and accessories, or contact us today and learn how we can support your business.