4 Simple Rules for Better Food Safety
ECHD To offer Person-in-Charge Class:
ECHD schedules a Person-in-Charge class on a quarterly basis. This four hour class is targeted for those food service personnel who may be placed in charge of the operation at any time. The course covers basic foodborne illnesses, HACCP principles, food security and food service operations. Our next class will be held in April or May. Please check back for details as to an exact date.
ECHD to offer ServSafe Classes!
Through a grant from NACCHO, the Elyria City Health District is now offering the 16 hour ServSafe course with certification for food service employees. Upon completion of the course and passing an exam, participants will receive certification from ServSafe and the Ohio Department of Health.
The next class will be announced soon. The cost of the course is $85.00. For more information, please contact Dave (284-1561) or John (284-1577).
ECHD offers two additional food service classes: A Person-in-Charge class is given for mid-level employees who may work into management positions; and a Volunteer class is presented to those who volunteer at churches or other service organization fundraisers or events. Please contact the individuals listed above for more information.
Fresh Produce Safety:
In light of recent foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce, the following tips can help reduce your risk of contracting such an illness.
Purchase produce that is not bruised or damaged
Chill and refrigerate promptly - Fresh produce should be refrigerated within 2 hours after peeling or cutting. Leftover cut produce should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Wash hands often - especially before and after handling fresh produce, raw meats, poultry or seafood.
Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables with cool tap water immediately before eating (consider washing bagged items as well). Use a clean produce brush on items such as melons and cucumbers.
Wash surfaces often - cutting boards, dishes, utensils need to be washed and sanitized with 1 teaspoon bleach in a quart of water after contact with fresh produce, raw meats, poultry or seafood - especially if using the same utensil or surface to work with multiple items.
Use a cooler with ice or gel packs when transporting, storing or serving fresh produce outdoors.
The FOOD SAFETY DIVISION is responsible for inspecting and licensing all food service and retail food establishment operations within the City of Elyria. Food vending machines, restaurants, and the food service operations of schools, day care centers, nursing homes, and the hospital, as well as food services at festivals are licensed and inspected. Thanks to an ongoing working relationship between ECHD's Registered Sanitarians and the food service operators in Elyria, the community is efficiently protected against foodborne illnesses resulting from health code violations and improper food handling.
FUNCTIONS
- Annually licenses all food service, retail food establishment operations and vending machine locations
- Routinely inspects food services and retail food establishments
- Approves plans for all new and renovated food related facilities
- Investigates foodborne illnesses and reports of contaminated food
- Investigates reports of food related violations
- Addresses customer complaints
- Provides presentations to restaurant managers and food service workers
Click here to view the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code
Click here for additional food safety tips and information
Click here for information on recalled food products
Forms:
Click here for a copy of our checklist on how to obtain a food service license (pdf)
Click here for a copy of our application for food service plan review (pdf)
Click here for a copy of our temporary food service license rules and worksheet (pdf)
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