Minnesota Hand Washing Sink Regulations

The Minnesota Administrative Rules outline the minimum standards businesses must meet to comply with handwashing sink regulations. Though nearly all industries are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Public Health (MDH), not all are, and individual counties are free to enforce stricter standards for handwashing sinks. For example, Washington County requires indoor bar service facilities to provide at least one handwashing sink for wait staff.

What do the regulations mean for your business?

Minnesota Handwashing Sink Regulations For Food Establishments

Food establishments in Minnesota are subject to Chapter 4626, Food Code, of the Minnesota Administrative Rules. Though licensing and inspection are enforced through different state agencies, the Chapter gives regulatory authority to the Minnesota Department of Public Health (MDH). 

The Department has oversight of industries, such as restaurants, bars, and school food services, to ensure they meet safety standards. And interestingly, the Rules also give MDH broad authority and oversight to apply the food code and handwashing sink rules to assisted living facilities and any place where retail food is prepared or consumed.

All handwashing sinks in food establishments must:

• Be a dedicated handwashing sink
• Provide water through a mixing valve or combination faucet; no water temperature is specified
• May be required to have a splash guard to limit cross-contamination
• Have a supply of soap
• Provide single-use paper towels, heated air dryers, continuous towels, or an air knife system to dry hands
• Wastebaskets for paper towels
• Signs reminding staff to wash their hands before returning to work

In some instances, employees may use chemically treated towelettes to cleanse their hands when handwashing sinks are not available. But when a food establishment doesn’t have a public bathroom, there must be at least one toilet and one handwashing sink for staff use.

Food Cart Handwashing Sink Regulations

Minnesota food carts are also subject to handwashing sink regulations. However, unlike food establishments, food carts are required to provide a handwashing sink with:

• Running water
• Soap
• Disposable towels
• Wastebasket

Mobile Food Unit Handwashing Sink Regulations

Mobile food units (MFU) are different from food carts in that MFUs are generally motorized or in a trailer. They also can’t operate more than 21 days per year at any one place without permission. However, MFUs are also required to furnish handwashing sinks for staff that meet the same guidelines for food carts.

Handwashing Sink Regulations for Minnesota Food Stands

Minnesota recognizes three types of food stands:

• Seasonal temporary food stand: food and beverage establishments that are disassembled and moved between locations.
• Seasonal permanent food stand: a permanent food stand or building
• Special event food stand: operates at celebrations and special events

Temporary and Permanent food stands are not allowed to be at any one location for more than 21 days a year, while Special Event Stands can only operate 10 days per calendar year.

All of these stands must have handwashing sinks with:

• Running water
• Soap
• Single-use disposable towels
• Wastebasket

Product Sampling

Vendors at farmer’s markets or community events that conduct a cooking demonstration or offer samples of nonpackaged food must have a handwashing station for staff. This handwashing sink must meet the same standards for a special event food stand.

Daycare Hand Washing Sink Regulations

Minnesota child care centers are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services under Chapter 9503 of the Rules. These facilities have handwashing sink regulations to meet, and the guidelines include:

• Diaper change areas must have handwashing sinks within three feet and have hot and cold running water
• The hot water can’t be any hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Staff and children must wash their hands using soap and running water
• No one can wash their hands using a shared basin or a handwashing sink filled with standing water

Handwashing Sink Regulations for Tattoo and Body Art Shops in Minnesota

Body art facilities are overseen by MDH and must meet handwashing sink standards as outlined in Chapter 146B of the Rules. The regulations state that handwashing sinks in these establishments must:

• Provide hot and cold potable water under pressure
• Have liquid soap and single-use paper towels or hot air dryers
• If paper towels are provided, there must be a nonporous garbage can for waste

Portable Sinks for Every Situation

Minnesota’s regulations for handwashing sinks are broad but subject to stricter rules at the county level. And especially for mobile food vendors, pushcart operators, and anyone running a seasonal food stand, a sink that complies with regulations is a must. 

When a plumbed sink isn’t an option or just isn’t practical, a portable sink can save the day. Many of Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sinks have the features you need to comply with the rules, like hot and cold running water, paper towel dispensers, and more. A portable sink may be just the solution you need and is perfect for: 

• Bars
• Beauty, Day Spas, & Wellness
• Commercial
• Construction & Job Sites
• Daycare
• Classrooms
• Events, Concerts, & Weddings
• Farms & Barns
• Restaurants & Food Service
• Garages & Workshops
• Healthcare & Clinics
• Patio & Home Use
• Retail Stores
• Science Labs
• Tattoo and Body Art Shops

Contact us today to see how Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sinks can help your business comply and thrive.