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Retail Food Safety
Colusa County Environmental Health is responsible for permitting and inspecting approximately 140 retail food facilities for compliance with the California Retail Food Code (commonly called Cal Code). Permitted facilities include markets, restaurants, schools and mobile food facilities.
Environmental Health conducts a risk-based inspection program based on the level of food preparation at the facility, as well as review and monitoring of the five major sources of food borne illness as identified by the Centers for Disease Control which include:
- Improper food holding temperatures
- Inadequate cooking
- Poor personal hygiene
- Contaminated equipment
- Food from unapproved sources
In addition to regular inspections, re-inspections and complaint inspections are conducted as needed. Further, all new or remodeled food facilities must adhere to construction and equipment standards as found in Cal Code. Prior to construction of a new facility, plans are reviewed and site inspections are conducted during the construction phase of the project.
Food Safety Certification Program
The California Retail Food Law (Cal Code) requires at least one person (owner, operator, manager, or employee) successfully pass an approved and accredited food safety certification examination.
- A qualified person may not serve as the certified person for more than one facility.
- Certification must be renewed every 5 years.
- Exempt facilities include temporary food facilities, food facilities where only prepackaged food is sold, and food facilities where only non-potentially hazardous foods are prepared.
For any application submittals please use our new online permit portal:
*Fees to be paid in the office-Cash or check, can be mailed to: 146 7th Street Colusa, CA 95932