For purposes of this article the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Asian rice-based noodle” is defined as 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.
(b) “Korean rice cake” is defined as a confection that contains rice powder, salt, sugar, various edible seeds, oil, dried beans, nuts, dried fruits, and dried pumpkin. The ingredients may not include any animal fats or any other products derived from animals. A Korean rice cake is prepared by using a traditional Korean method that includes cooking by steaming at not less than 275 degrees Fahrenheit, for not less than five minutes, nor more than 15 minutes.
(c) “Vietnamese rice cake,” also known as Bánh Tét or Bánh Chưng, is defined as a confection that contains a combination of rice, beans, and meat or fruit wrapped tightly in banana leaves for cooking. Bánh Tét is a rice cake in a cylindrical shape, and Bánh Chưng is a rice cake in a square shape. A Vietnamese rice cake is prepared using a traditional Vietnamese method that includes cooking by boiling in water for not less than 10 hours. Vietnamese rice cakes are required to be handled, prepared, and stored under sanitary conditions both when they are kept at no more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit upon completion of cooking and after the rice cakes have been cooled to below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Any Vietnamese rice cakes that are unwrapped from the banana leaves after cooking shall be refrigerated.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 193, Sec. 2. (SB 969) Effective January 1, 2017.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018