What is the Food Establishment Program? The
Food Establishment Licensing and Enforcement Program: ·
Issues
licenses for restaurants, taverns, grocery stores, convenience stores,
temporary
stands and mobile units ·
Conducts
routine, unannounced inspections
·
Provides
training for food service personnel
·
Approves
plans for remodeling and new establishments
·
Investigates
complaints about facilities
·
Inspects
new establishments prior to opening Why
are Food Establishments inspected? Food Establishments are inspected in order to protect
public health and to provide consumers with food that is safe. Inspections
are done based on the criteria found in the 1997 FDA Model Food Code. How
often are Food Establishments inspected? A regular inspection of Food Establishments
occurs one to three times per year. The number of times a Food Establishment
is inspected during a year is based on risk criteria. The items that
determine the level of risk at a Food Establishment are volume of
food served, amount of hands-on contact, the extent of the menu and
previous inspections. All restaurants will be inspected at least once
a year with the majority inspected twice a year. If you have questions or need more information contact Tama County Public Health & Home Care at 641-484-4788.
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