COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

DATE:

July 21, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 9, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Charlene Silva, Director, Health Department

Brian Zamora, Director, Public Health & Environmental Protection

SUBJECT:

County Ordinance Code Change relating to Food Facilities

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt an ordinance repealing Chapter 4.56 of the Ordinance Code and adding a new Chapter 4.56:

A)

Requiring Food establishments to post the last routine inspection conducted by the San Mateo County Environmental Health Division (Division);

B)

Requiring Food Safety training, when deemed necessary;

C)

Updating definitions.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

These Ordinance Code changes contribute to this goal by assuring the cleanliness and sanitation of food facilities throughout the County.

Performance Measures:

Measure

FY 2004-05 Actual

FY 2005-06 Projected

Percentage of Food Facilities that receive at least one inspection annually

100%

100%

BACKGROUND:

The Division monitors and inspects approximately 3,500 restaurants, retail markets, and other food facilities in 20 cities and unincorporated areas of the County to protect the health of the public by preventing food-borne disease.

The Division has established a Food Advisory Committee made up of representatives from the regulated businesses and the public at large. The Committee meets routinely to review current and potential changes in the Food Program.

The San Mateo Grand Jury (FY 2004-05) conducted a survey of the Food Program. The Grand Jury concluded that food establishments are not making inspection reports available to the general public as required by State Law. The Grand Jury recommended that the most recent food inspection report be posted in the establishment in an area where the public can see it.

DISCUSSION:

Both the San Mateo Grand Jury and the Food Advisory Committee have recommended changes to the Food Program. Division staff has reviewed the recommendations and concur with them. The recommendations are as follows:

•

Update the County Code, eliminating sections where the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law has jurisdiction.

•

Require each food facility to display the most recent routine inspection report in a clearly visible area that is accessible to the public.

•

When deemed appropriate by Division staff, require all food handlers at a particular food facility be trained in food sanitation.

The Ordinance changes have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Food Program is fully funded through inspection fees. There is no net county cost associated with the Food Program.