As used in sections 21a-34 to 21a-45, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Consumer Protection;

(2) “Vending machine” means any self-service device offered for public use upon public or private property which, upon insertion of a coin, coins or token, or by other means, dispenses unit servings of food or beverage, either in bulk or in package, without the necessity of replenishing the device between each vending operation;

(3) “Food” means any raw, cooked or processed edible substance, cough drops of a nonmedicinal type, beverage or ingredient used or intended for use in the whole, or in part, for human consumption;

(4) “Readily perishable foods” means any food or beverage or ingredients consisting in whole or in part of milk, milk products, eggs, meat, fish, poultry or other food capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of microorganisms which can cause food infections or food intoxication, except products in hermetically sealed containers processed by heat to prevent spoilage, and dehydrated, dry or powdered products so low in moisture content as to preclude development of microorganisms;

(5) “Hot liquid food or beverage” means liquid food or beverage, the temperature of which at the time of service to the consumer is at least one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit;

(6) “Single service articles” means any utensil, container, implement or wrapper intended for use only once in the preparation, storage, display, service or consumption of food or beverage;

(7) “Product contact surface” means any surface of the vending machine, appurtenances or containers which comes into direct contact with any food, beverage or ingredient;

(8) A food is “adulterated” (A) if it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may be injurious to health; (B) if it bears or contains any added poisonous or deleterious substance for which no safe tolerance has been established by regulation, or in excess of such tolerance if one has been established; (C) if it consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance, or if it is otherwise unfit for human consumption; (D) if it has been prepared, packed or stored under unsanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health; or (E) if the container is composed in whole or in part of a poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents injurious to health;

(9) “Misbranding” means the use of any written, printed or graphic matter upon or accompanying products or containers dispensed from vending machines, including signs or placards displayed in relation to such products so dispensed, which is false or misleading or which violates any applicable local, state or federal labeling requirements;

(10) “Operator” means any person who owns or operates or who, on his own behalf or through an agent or employee, prepares or transports any food or beverage dispensed in any vending machine or who supplies or replenishes the contents of any such machine;

(11) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or association;

(12) “Employee” means any supplier or any person employed by him who handles any food, beverage or ingredient to be dispensed through vending machines, or who comes into contact with food contact surfaces of containers, equipment, utensils or packaging materials used in connection with vending machine operations, or who otherwise services or maintains one or more such machines.