Food Safety

The Monroe County Health Department Environmental Health Division routinely inspects licensed food service establishments in Monroe County. The purpose of these inspections is to minimize the risk of food-borne illness outbreaks and to work together with the owners of restaurants to ensure that safe food handling practices are being followed by the establishments. During a routine inspection of a food service establishment, the sanitarian assesses compliance with the Michigan Food Law of 2000, as amended, and the Michigan Modified FDA Food Code of 2009.

This assessment is done by observing food handling practices, as well as features of the establishment. Verification of proper handwashing, proper glove and utensil use, proper cold and hot holding temperatures, proper cooking temperatures, proper rapid cooling procedures and temperatures, proper managerial knowledge, and general assessment of the establishment are just the beginning of what we do on a daily basis. Together, with the management of food service establishments, we identify potential issues in the food trail that may cause food-borne illness and correct those issues through education and training.

Michigan Food Law

Any establishment that serves food to the general public must be licensed pursuant to the Michigan Food Law of 2000, as amended. This includes, but is not limited to: restaurants, churches, temporary events, seasonal establishments, vending machines (offering potentially hazardous food), concession stands, special transitory food units, and private facilities. Food that is offered for sale, for donation, or for free, to the public requires strict adherence to the Michigan Food Law of 2000, as amended, and the Michigan Modified FDA Food Code of 2009. Currently, there are over 500 licensed food service establishments in Monroe County.