What is a food service establishment?
What do I have to do to open/remodel an establishment?
- Contact the Health Department well in advance to discuss guidelines
- Inspection fees and business license fees must be paid for all "for profit" operations
- Provide a complete set of plans to the Health Department and have them approved before construction begins
- Plans should include:
- a detailed equipment layout and equipment list
- plumbing diagram
- finish schedule
- lighting information
- equipment elevations, if available
- More information
How often are establishments inspected?
- 2-3 times per year, depending on the complexity of the establishment
What does an inspection involve?
- Inspections focus on critical items such as temperature control, personnel hygiene practices, chemical storage, food sources, food quality, water supply, and waste disposal
- Non-critical items such as condition of equipment, floors, walls and ceilings, and non-critical food handling and storage procedures are reviewed
What do the inspection results mean?
- Inspection results are shown as critical and non-critical violations
- An inspection with 10 or more critical items, OR, 25 or more non-critical items, OR, a combination of 30 critical & non-critical items results in the operating permit being suspended
What is required of food service employees?
- Food handler's certificate within 30 days of employment
- The Health Department teaches a food handlers course 4 times a month
- Cost is $15
- The certificate must be renewed every 3 years
What is required of food service managers?
- Food manager's certificate within 60 days of employment
- Certificate can only be obtained after successfully completing an approved food manager's course
- Costs $15
- The certificate must be renewed every 5 years
Return to the Environmental Health Division Homepage or return to the Columbia/Boone County Health Department Homepage
Follow Us: