Food

Sanitary inspections are routinely conducted at school cafeterias, fraternal organizations, lounges, health care institutions, and theaters. The purpose of these inspections is to prevent the spread of foodborne disease and illness.

Q: When do I need a food permit from your office?

A: You would need a food permit from the Health Dept if you are:

• A church advertising dinners to the public.
• A fraternal or civic organization.
• A bar with NO (or very limited) food service - just alcohol.
• A child care facility that prepares food other than snacks.
• A group care facility with a population 25 or above.
• A movie theatre.

Q: What permitting is needed for temporary food events?

A: If the vendor is a non profit organization, hosting the event on their own property, the Department of Health would not require a permit, but require the vender to fill out a temporary food event form. This would include what kinds of foods will be served, where the food is purchased, what facilities will be provided that can safely store the food, such as hot boxes or refrigerators. For example, a church or a fraternal organization is having a Bar-BQ, then the event sponsors or venders are required to notify the health department not less than three days prior to the scheduled event. The only time the Department Of Health is required to conduct an inspection of an event is when an alcoholic beverage license is required. If the event is more than three days in length, then the physical structure where the food preparation occurs shall be protected from the entrance of flying insects and other vermin. Any event where a business or organization is participating in a temporary event off of their property, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation must be notified, in which case a permit to operate may be required.

Q: Who do I call if I got sick at a restaurant?

A: This depends on the number of individuals that became ill. Although the Department of Health is no longer the permitting and inspecting agency of free standing restaurants, our department would conduct a HACCP investigation along with The Department of Business and Professional Regulation when these scenarios occur:

1. Always when one or more individuals were confirmed from a doctor that the illness was food related.
2. Two or more unrelated cases of foodborne illness.
3. Three or more related cases, such as members of the same family.

If one individual becomes ill, and the foodborne illness was not confirmed, then the Department of Business and Professional Regulation should be notified at
(850) 487-1395

Q: I want to open a restaurant, what must I do?

A: Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at
(850) 487-1395

Back To Programs|Contact Us | Subject Index