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Information about Grocery Store Inspections The Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department covers Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties. Sanitarians inspect food service establishments two times per year (typically), and sometimes more if they are having problems- the goal is to prevent food borne illnesses. Usually inspections are unannounced. Inspectors look at hygiene and food handling practices, food temperatures, equipment design, maintenance, and operation, and more. Some violations are considered “critical,” and pose a “higher threat.” These critical violations must be addressed immediately if possible, or within 10 days when a follow-up inspection occurs. The Hamilton County, Ohio, Department of Public Health conducts unannounced inspections of grocery stores, one to two times per year. The sanitarians look for compliance with the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code, on issues such as proper food handling, storage, preparation and serving. “Critical” violations “are items that, if in noncompliance, are more likely than other violations to contribute to food contamination, illness or an environmental health hazard. Examples of critical violations include food obtained from an unsafe source, inadequate cooking, improper holding, contaminated equipment, and poor personal hygiene.” “Education is usually the best way to prevent a violation from occurring again.” See also the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code and sections of the Ohio Administrative Code.
The Food and Drug Administration Model Food Code of 2005 defines a “critical item” as “a provision of this Code, that, if in noncompliance, is more likely than other violations to contribute to food contamination, illness, or environmental health hazard” (Chapter 1, Section 1-2). This information is presented for consumer education purposes only.
Page Last Updated: Dec 16, 2008 (07:11:14)
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