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The Department of Health's Food Hygiene Program is designed to reduce the occurrences of foodborne illness (often referred to as food poisoning). This is done through the education of food workers and the general public and the routine inspection of food service operations that are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health.

Those operations that are under the Department of Health's jurisdiction include food service operations located in institutional settings (such as schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and correctional facilities), civic and fraternal organizations, theaters (that limit their menu to drinks, candy, popcorn, hotdogs, and nachos), bars and lounges that don't prepare food, and churches that serve the public. Applications are received and inspections are performed by the local health departments

Did You Know?

None of the state or federal food regulatory agencies allow you to operate a food operation from your home.

Most Restaurants in our state are regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  You can contact them at 850-487-1395.

Most Grocery stores and convenience stores in our state are regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  You can contact them at 850-245-5520.

Personnel Hygiene (hand washing) is the number one cause of food borne outbreaks in our state.  The local health departments have lots of flyers/posters/presentations on the importance of hand washing. 

Even though there are three food safety regulatory agencies, a food operation is typically regulated by only one of those agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read before you call.  You may find answers to your question here.