Food Establishment Inspections
The Environmental Health Section of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department conducts inspections, investigations, plan reviews and educational activities as a part of its Food Program. Regulatory requirements for the Food Program are found in the 1999 FDA Food Code, as adopted by the State of West Virginia and made effective July 1, 2000. The program is designed to prevent the transmissions of food-borne diseases.
Routine inspections are conducted to evaluate the operational status in relation to the Food Code. Some types of Food Establishments inspected are restaurants, delicatessens, grocery stores, school lunch programs, child care facilities, personal care facilities, bed and breakfast operations, vending machines with "potentially hazardous food", mobile operations and temporary food (such as concession stands at fairs and festivals).
In 2006, the Environmental Health Section conducted over 3000 on-site activities and over 4500 total Food Program activities.
A permit is required to operate a Food Establishment. In order to obtain a permit, the following information must be submitted to the health department for review and evaluation:
- Food-Service Establishment Application Form
- Food-Retail Establishment Application Form
- Food Questionnaire Form (Form SF-35)
- Appropriate Permit Fee and Plan Review Fee (see Application Form)
- Floor Plan of the Establishment
- Equipment Listing showing Type of Equipment and Manufacturer Model Number
- Shop Drawings of any Fabricated Equipment
- Temporary Food Establishment Application Form (for Temporary Food Operations)
- No SF-35, Floor Plan, Equipment Listing, Shop Drawings, or Fee is required
Following approval of the submitted Application Package, the Sanitarian will conduct visits and inspections of the facility to ensure compliance with the Food Code. Upon approval by the Sanitarian, the establishment is issued an operational permit.
MOVHD requires a $25.00 Re-Inspection Fee when routine inspections discloses any uncorrected Critical Violations or more than two (2) uncorrected Non-Critical Violations.In addition, MOVHD conducts Food Handler Training Classes. The cost is $5.00 per person.
Should you need additional information concerning the application process or the Food program in general, contact the sanitarian at your local MOVHD office.
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