Food Safety Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact: 303-271-5700 or
Email: Carla Opp at copp@jeffco.us

I became sick after eating at a restaurant, what should I do?
Contact us as soon as possible after becoming ill (303-271-5700). We are interested in investigating potential food borne illnesses and will need to obtain a 72-hour food history to better pinpoint the potential source of the problem. Note that it takes anywhere from one hour to several weeks to become ill from a food borne pathogen, therefore the last meal you ate may not have been the one that made you ill. Obtaining confirmation from your doctor is also important since it can tell us what type of foods that may be involved.
|Centers for Disease Control Food Borne Infections Information|  
|USDA Food Borne Disease|

I want to report a dirty kitchen, bathroom and dining room at a restaurant.
We investigate potential violations of the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations.

Is __x___ restaurant safe to eat in?
If requested, we can look up previous inspection records of specific establishments.

Is it safe to put raw eggs in eggnog?
Raw eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis, a type of bacteria which is known to cause serious illness; especially in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. We do not recommend using raw eggs in any recipe where thorough cooking will not occur.

What is the risk associated with fast food restaurant employees handling money and food with no hand washing in between?
While this practice is not encouraged, the potential for disease transmission is minimal since bacteria do not survive well on money. Money has not been found to be a disease carrier. However, you may want to voice your concern with the establishment manager.

Do restaurant employees have to wear hairnets?
Some type of hair restraint is required of food service workers; however, this does not have to be a hair net.

I noticed a dumpster left open in back of restaurant and trash scattered around the area, is this okay?
Dumpsters must be kept closed and the area around them kept in a sanitary condition. We investigate any concerns regarding violations of this standard.

Do restaurant employees need to wear gloves?
No, gloves are not required to be worn by food service workers under normal circumstances; however, routine hand washing must be practiced. Certain restaurant chains do require their employees to wear gloves. Gloves can be a significant problem if workers get them dirty and continue to use them. A glove order may be issued when there is an active Hepatitis A outbreak.

What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A virus is found in the feces of infected persons. It is spread primarily by person to person contact. It can also be spread through food and/or water which has been contaminated with human feces.

I want to make food in my home and sell it. How do I get a food  service license?
A licensed kitchen is required; this must be separate from your household kitchen. A restaurant kitchen may be rented during off-hours, or some church kitchens are properly equipped and can be used. This department must approve your planned location and then provide an application for a food service license. A plan review packet may be obtained through this office. A Colorado sales tax license must be obtained prior to this department issuing a food service license. You should also check with your local zoning department about the legality of home businesses in your area.

I want to do catering from my home, can I do that?
No food preparation for a catered event can occur in your household kitchen. If you are purchasing the food items and taking them to the location of the catered event for preparation, then no food service license is required.

Do I need a health card to work in Jefferson County?
There are no health cards required in Jefferson County. We do issue cards to individuals for successfully completing our "Excellence in Food Safety" course. These are good for 2 years and continuing education credits can be obtained. Contact us at 303-271-5700 to register for a class.

I need an inspection for a Pre-opening.
Contact this department to schedule this inspection.  

Why do we need to install so many sinks in a restaurant?
Separate sinks are required for different uses. This prevents cross-contamination between different activities such as hand washing and vegetable preparation. A three-compartment sink is important for proper dishwashing (pans, utensils etc.) procedures to take place. Separate sinks are required for different uses.  

How do I apply for a Colorado food service license? What paper work will I need?
Food service license applications are available from this office. A copy of your Colorado Sales Tax License is required, as is approval from the health inspector of your establishment.

I am going to be opening a new retail food establishment; when should I contact the Health Department?
The department must review and approve the plans for your operation before you begin construction. Local building departments will not issue building permits without this approval. This process will take approximately two weeks to review the drawings, specifications and menus, and meet with the plan review coordinator.
 

* For more information or to enroll in an upcoming class, call 303-271-5700.

Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:19 PM