Inspection FAQs
We have started the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page with a few questions about inspections. We will be adding to the content of this page as soon more questions are developed and submittted, which would be of interest to visitors at this site.
How often are the food service establishments inspected?
Food establishments are inspected using a risk-based variable frequency inspection system. A facility averages two routine inspections per year.
Are the inspections announced (scheduled)?
No. Routine and complaint inspections are unannounced with the exception of follow-up, training, and pre-opening inspections which are scheduled.
What types of inspection visits does the health department conduct at retail food establishments?
Six types of inspections may be performed: 1) routine, 2) follow-up, 3) complaint investigation 4) training, 5) preliminary (or site), or 6) permit inspections.
What is a "routine" inspection?
Routine inspections (R) are unannounced, full and comprehensive evaluation visits of the entire physical establishment and all aspects of safe food handling practices in an establishment. The rating score for this type of inspection is reflective of violations normally cited on an unannounced visit and sometimes may result in a lowered rating score.
What is a "follow-up" inspection?
Follow up inspections (F) are made to verify compliance or corrective action subsequent to a previous inspection. The rating score for this type of inspection is reflective of management`s opportunity to correct items cited on the previous routine inspection and almost always results in a higher rating score.
What is a "complaint" inspection?
A complaint inspection conducted in response to a citizen reporting unsanitary conditions or unsafe food handling practices at an establishment.
What is a "training" inspection?
A training inspection is a scheduled visit in cooperation with management for the purpose of conducting training or providing a presentation on food safety issues to food handlers at the establishment.
What is a "pre-opening (site)" inspection?
Pre-opening or site inspections are scheduled to approve a newly constructed or remodeled establishment (or installation of new equipment) prior to a permit being issued and an establishment beginning operation. This gives the operator an opportunity to correct any remaining items which have to be corrected before a permit can be issued.
What is a permit Inspection?
Unlike a site inspection, a permit inspection is one that is scheduled to issue a permit. An establishment that is ready to be permitted will have made application for a permit with the local environmental health office and the facility will have everything ready as if the establishment were ready to open on that day. For example, If all the refrigeration units in the establishment was not ready to be turned on, a permit would not be issued.
What is a critical violation?
A critical violation is one that is more likely than other violations to contibute to food contamination, illness, or environmental degradation.
What is a non-critical violation?
A non-critical violation is a violation on the inspection that would be more unlikely to contribute to a food borne illness but which does effect the overall sanitation level of the facility. A couple of simple examples would be an unclean floor or unclean walls.