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 | See our 2007-08 Food Award Recipients ! |
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The food protection programs consist of two key elements:
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Our educational component includes an
annual newsletter to all food operators, classes in basic food safety, and
a six-week "Ohio Certification in Food Protection" course. All of our food safety inspectors are certified to teach the "Ohio Certification in Food Protection" course. Food safety education is extended to the community by means of newspaper articles and public displays throughout the county. September of each year is recognized as "Food Safety Month," and we take an active role in educating the public and industry. Our compliance component consists of routine, unannounced inspections of the county’s food service operations (restaurants), retail food establishment operations (grocery stores), mobile and temporary operations (trailer-type units or tables seen at fairs and festivals), and vending machines at schools, businesses, and other locations that dispense cold packaged food, coffee or soft drinks into cups. All of these operations are licensed annually based on their risk level and/or when they operate during the year. |
Medina County Health Department Inspector
checking food temperatures during a food operation inspection |
Depending on their risk
classification, each operation can receive from one to four inspections
per year, or possibly more if we find problems that require
reinspections involving code compliance.
What does the Health Department do when an operation is not being maintained in substantial compliance with the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code?We have a "due process" procedure to help get operations back on track. First, a letter of concern is sent, food safety training is offered, and the operation is reinspected. In most cases, this first level of action takes care of the concerns. If there are still problems, our second level is to have a Non-Compliance Conference at the Health Department. At this Conference, the problems are discussed with the operator, a plan of action is created, and the operation is reinspected. If the problems persist, additional time for correction may be given or we proceed to the third level - a hearing before the Medina County Board of Health. At the hearing, the Board will take action to either allow additional time for correction or to suspend the food license for a period of time. This means the operation is closed and is not allowed to be open to the public until all violations are corrected as determined by a reinspection. If during this reinspection, problems still exist, the license can be suspended for a longer period of time or could be revoked. Revocation means the operation will be permanently closed and cannot reopen unless a new owner takes over the business.Although we have not had to revoke a license, the Board of Health has had to suspend several licenses. In 2006, the number of licenses suspended by the Board was four. As of June 2007, there have been two license suspensions. How can the public find out how a particular restaurant is doing or what problems exist?All of our inspection records are public records and are available to the public during our regular business hours. Although walk-in requests are welcomed, if possible, it is best to call first to see if a food inspector is available to help answer any questions that may arise during review of the records.Please contact our office if you have any further questions about our Food Protection Programs. |
