New Mexico Handwashing Sink Regulations

New Mexico handwashing sink regulations are unique in that while one government department oversees most food service establishments, some parts of the state run their own program. What’s more, New Mexico has general handwashing sink rules that apply to most — but not all — food service establishments. And other sectors, like body art facilities or daycares, are subject to different government regulations.

Here’s everything you need to know about handwashing sink regulations in New Mexico.

General Handwashing Sink Regulations for Food Service and Food Processors in New Mexico

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Environmental Health Bureau, is responsible for regulating and overseeing most food facilities and manufacturers in the state through its Food Safety Program. The exceptions are Bernalillo County and Albuquerque, which run their own food safety programs.

That said, the 2019 version of the New Mexico Food Code is based on the 2017 FDA Food Code, as outlined in New Mexico’s Administrative Code. According to the Code, NMED sets the general guidelines for food safety and sanitation — including handwashing sinks — throughout the state, with some notable exceptions.

As a rule, every handwashing sink in a food service or food processing establishment must:

• Be used only for hands
• Dispense water that can be heated to at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit through a mixing or combination valve
• Have water that runs for at least 15 seconds if it comes through an automatic dispenser
• Provide powder, liquid, or bar soap at every sink or group of two sinks
• Include paper towels, air dryer, a continuous towel system, or air knife dryer for drying hands
• Have a waste basket if using paper towels
• Be located near the food prep, food dispensing, dishwashing, and bathroom areas
• Have correct signage reminding employees to wash their hands before returning to work

Keep in mind that these rules also apply to cottage food processors. In 2021, the New Mexico Homemade Food Act allowed people to sell certain foods they prepare in their home kitchen. While the Act doesn’t contain specific references to handwashing sinks, it does require home kitchens to operate in a safe and sanitary manner.

New Mexico Handwashing Sink Regulations for Mobile Food Establishments

Mobile food establishments in New Mexico fall into one of two categories: self-contained and non self-contained. Self-contained mobile food establishments are things like food trucks, while non-self contained mobile food establishments include things like push carts.

In either case, a mobile food establishment in New Mexico must meet all handwashing sink requirements outlined in the Code and also have:

• A handwashing sink with at least five gallons of potable water
• A waste water tank that’s at least 15% larger than the fresh water tank

Handwashing Sink Requirements for Temporary Food Establishments in New Mexico

Temporary food establishments in New Mexico must comply with handwashing sink regulations as outlined in the Code, but they also must:

• Provide liquid soap and single-use paper towels
• Be dedicated to washing hands only
• Have an adequate potable water supply

Temporary food establishments can use a gravity-fed system as a handwashing station, provided it includes a wastewater basin or bucket and the warm water is heated to and held at a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Requirements for Catering Operations in New Mexico

Catering establishments must comply with the Code as well, but their handwashing sink must have liquid soap and paper towels when the company deals with food that isn’t pre-packaged.

New Mexico Body Art Shop Handwashing Sink Requirements

New Mexico body art facilities are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD), Board of Body Art Practitioners, as outlined in Title 16, Chapter 36 of the Administrative Code. The rules state that any body art facility must have handwashing sinks with:

• Hot and cold pressurized water
• Hand or foot operable controls (not required, but preferred)
• Liquid antimicrobial soap
• Paper towels

Handwashing Sink Requirements for New Mexico Daycare Centers

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department (ECECD), Regulatory Oversight Unit, oversees licensed child care centers and home care centers as well as registered home child care providers (those who have no more than four non-resident children in their care). Any daycare facility licensed after November 2012 must provide handwashing sinks that meet the following guidelines:

• At least one sink in any room with children between 24 and 35 months old
• All bathrooms must have child-height soap and towel dispensers
• Provide one sink for every 12 children; two sinks for 13 to 25 children; and one additional sink for every additional 15 children over 25

Ozark River Manufacturing’s Portable Sink Solutions

While New Mexico’s handwashing sink regulations are fairly straightforward, there are exceptions to the rules. Fortunately, an Ozark River Manufacturing portable sink can help you comply with the rules and their exceptions.

Most of our portable sinks come with integrated soap dispensers, hot water heaters, and even a few that are child-height. What’s more, all of our sinks arrive fully assembled and ready to go right out of the box. Simply unpack, plug it in, and have instant access to a safe and hygienic handwashing sink.

Our portable sinks are perfect for:

Contact us today to learn more about our portable sink solutions or browse our full line of portable sinks and accessories.