(a) Notwithstanding Sections 113996 and 114343, and if permitted by federal law, a food facility may sell Asian rice-based noodles that have been kept at room temperature for no more than four hours.

(b) Asian rice-based noodles that have been kept at room temperature shall be consumed or cooked within four hours of the date and time labeled on the product. Asian rice-based noodles that have been kept at room temperature shall be segregated for destruction from other Asian rice-based noodles in a manner approved by the local enforcement agency after four hours of the date and time labeled on the product.

(c) At the end of the operating day, Asian rice-based noodles that have been kept at room temperature for more than four hours shall be destroyed in a manner approved by the local enforcement agency.

(d) (1) For purposes of this section, an “Asian rice-based noodle” means a rice-based pasta that contains rice powder, water, wheat starch, vegetable cooking oil, and optional ingredients to modify the pH or water activity, or to provide a preservative effect. The ingredients shall not include any animal fats or any other products derived from animals. An Asian rice-based noodle is prepared by using a traditional method that includes cooking by steaming at not less than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, for not less than four minutes.

(2) If the Asian rice-based noodles maintain a pH of not more than 4.6, as measured at a temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, a water activity of 0.85 or below, or have been determined by the department to be a nonpotentially hazardous food based on formulation and supporting laboratory documentation submitted to the department by the manufacturer, the restrictions provided in subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, shall not apply to the Asian rice-based noodles.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 658, Sec. 3. (SB 1465) Effective January 1, 2013.)