655.211—Petition for higher meal charges.
(a)
Until a new amount is set pursuant to this paragraph (a), the OFLC Administrator may permit an employer to charge workers up to $6.17 for providing them with three meals per day, if the employer justifies the charge and submits to the OFLC Administrator the documentary evidence required by paragraph (b) of this section. A denial in whole or in part shall be reviewable as provided in § 655.212 of this part. Each year the maximum charge allowed by this paragraph (a) will be changed by the 12-month percent change for the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for Food between December of the year just concluded and December of the year prior to that. The annual adjustments shall be effective on their publication by the OFLC Administrator in the Federal Register.
(b)
Evidence submitted shall include the cost of goods and services directly related to the preparation and serving of meals, the number of workers fed, the number of meals served and the number of days meals were provided. The cost of the following items may be included: Food; kitchen supplies other than food, such as lunch bags and soap; labor costs which have a direct relation to food service operations, such as wages of cooks and restaurant supervisors; fuel, water, electricity, and other utilities used for the food service operations; other costs directly related to the food service operation. Charges for transportation, depreciation, overhead, and similar charges may not be included. Receipts and other cost records for a representative pay period shall be available for inspection by the Secretary's representatives for a period of one year.