During a health inspection, what is an 'imminent health hazard' that could require a food establishment to close immediately?

IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD: A significant threat or danger to health that requires immediate correction or closure to prevent foodborne illness or injury. EXAMPLES: Complete loss of electricity (refrigeration fails, food enters danger zone); water supply interruption or contamination (no handwashing, no sanitizing, contaminated water); sewage backup (gross contamination); fire; flooding; significant pest infestation; gas leak; lack of hot water; CLOSURE: When an imminent health hazard exists, the establishment must cease operations (or the health department orders closure) until the hazard is corrected and approved to reopen; MANAGER ACTION: Stop operations, correct the hazard, contact the health department, discard potentially contaminated food, and reopen only when approved; ROUTINE violations (a dirty dish, missing hairnet) are corrected but don't require closure; imminent health hazards are different — they pose an IMMEDIATE public health threat; food managers must recognize these conditions and respond appropriately, prioritizing public safety over staying open.