Food Establishments
RESTAURANTS AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Summary of Inspection Program
Routine inspections are conducted at all licensed food establishments. The frequency of these inspections is based on the type of food service conducted at the facility. Inspections are unannounced and only represent a “snapshot” of what is happening at the food establishment at the time of the inspection. A review of the facility’s inspection history is a better indicator of ongoing operational conditions. Inspection records for facilities located in Oklahoma County/Oklahoma City can be viewed here. If you have any questions about the inspections in Oklahoma County, please call (405) 425-4400.
EMERGENCY RESPONSES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Visiable
Before coming to our clinic for adult vaccinations, please call one of our clinic locations to ensure that your specific vaccination is available. If the vaccination is not available, we will be able to refer you to places that do offer your specific vaccine(s).
Q: What do I need to do if the power is out at my home?
Generally, if the power is off for four hours or less, food in an unopened refrigerator will stay below 40°F and should be fine to use. A full freezer will keep food at an acceptable temperature for about 48 hours if the freezer door remains closed.
Q: What about frozen foods?
Frozen food is usually safe to cook or refreeze if the power hasn’t been off any longer than 24 hours. If you have an appliance thermometer in your freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If it reads 40°F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen. If you don’t have an appliance thermometer, check each item individually. If the food still contains ice crystals, it’s safe to refreeze or cook.
Q: What if I just cook the foods?
Remember, even thorough cooking may not destroy all the bacteria in perishable food that’s been left warmer than 40°F for longer than two hours. If you take a chance and eat it, you may become seriously ill.
WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT
EMERGENCY RESPONSES FOR RESTAURANTS, GROCERY STORES, AND OTHER FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Visiable
Before coming to our clinic for adult vaccinations, please call one of our clinic locations to ensure that your specific vaccination is available. If the vaccination is not available, we will be able to refer you to places that do offer your specific vaccine(s).
Do I need to close my food establishment if we lose power?
If your facility loses power, you will need to cease operating until power is restored. Notify our office, and your inspector will provide appropriate guidance. Avoid opening any refrigeration/freezer equipment. As soon as power is restored, you will want to check food temperatures in those units and discard any items that are out of temperature.
Q: Do I need to close my food establishment if we lose water service?
If you lose water service at your establishment, you will need to discontinue food preparation, warewashing, cooking, serving, and most other food service-related activities. Notify our office, and your inspector will work with you to determine if any activities (such as sales of prepackaged foods) may continue, with appropriate sanitary measures in place. Once water is restored, follow your utility’s recommendations for flushing lines and equipment, and thoroughly wash and sanitize affected surfaces and areas.
Q: What if my food business is damaged?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Visiable
Before coming to our clinic for adult vaccinations, please call one of our clinic locations to ensure that your specific vaccination is available. If the vaccination is not available, we will be able to refer you to places that do offer your specific vaccine(s).
Q: Who is my inspector?
Answer: You can contact one of our Office Assistants to get in touch with the right inspector, at fe@occhd.org or 405-425-4400.
Q:Do I need a health department license to sell food in Oklahoma County?
Answer: Generally, yes. Most businesses engaged in the sale of food products must first obtain a license from the Oklahoma State Department of Health before selling any food products. There are specific exemptions, such as for businesses operating under the Homemade Food Freedom Act; certain bake sales; roadside vendors selling only whole produce; and others. For more information, refer to OAC Title 310, Chapter 257-1-2 Definition of “Food Establishment”, and 257-1-4 “Exemptions here. Certain municipalities may have additional requirements and permits.
Q: Can I prepare and sell food out of my home?
Answer:
Do Restaurants need to post nutrition/calorie information on their menu?
SMOKING ROOMS
Smoking rooms in food establishments are regulated under OAC Title 310, Chapter 355: Smoking in Public Places and Indoor Workplaces. OCCHD primarily works smoking violations at licensed facilities, but may work smoking violations at businesses not regulated by our office, at the request of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. If you would like to submit a complaint, you can do so here.
