Food service operations are regulated under the authority of Chapter 3717 of the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3701-21 of the Ohio Administrative Code, and Chapter 3717-1 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
This program involves licensing and inspecting food service operations and retail food establishments including restaurants, grocery stores, mobile food trailers, vending machines, convenience stores, and temporary food stands. During inspections we check for cleanliness of facilities and equipment, proper food holding temperatures, proper food handling procedures, food storage, food sources, among other things. We also review plans for new facilities to ensure that adequate equipment and materials are provided to meet code requirements.
View Food Facility Inspection Reports (on or after January 1, 2023)
View Food Facility Inspection Reports (before January 1, 2023)
The following forms and safety bulletins are available for you to download:
Temporary packet 2023 (Note: Please allow 10 days advance notice in order to obtain a temporary food service license.)
What to Do When the Power Goes Off
Food Facility Disaster Guidance Information
First Aid for Food Choking 2017
New Facility Guidance / Plan Review Application
Norovirus clean up guidance poster
Ohio Food Code requires one member of management from a food facility to complete an approved food safety education course, such as ServSafe, in order to obtain Ohio Certification in Food Protection. For a complete listing of education courses meeting the Ohio Department of Health educational requirements, visit ODH Food Safety Certification Page.
ServSafe Level 2 (Manager’s Course) can be obtained on the ServSafe website www.servsafe.com FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE ELECTED TO COMPLETE THE MANAGER’S COURSE ON-LINE, A PROCTORED EXAM SESSION IS STILL NECESSARY IN ORDER TO OBTAIN YOUR OHIO CERTIFICATION IN FOOD PROTECTION FROM OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. To accommodate individuals needing to have an exam proctored, the Health Department is offering the exam per request. Please contact the Health District at 419-586-3251 to arrange for an exam.
You must also bring proof of completion of your on-line ServSafe Manager’s Course to the exam in order to obtain your compliance certificate (Ohio Department of Health certification)!
The Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code can be obtained at Ohio Administrative Code 3717-1
Food Recalls: Food Recall Page
To view additional food safety information, click here: ODH Food Safety Page.