Departments

Health and Human Services

Bucks County Health Department

-- Main -- BioTerrorism -- Bureau of Personal Health -- Bureau of Environmental Health --

Bureau of Environmental Health

Food Facility Sanitation and Security

(restaurants, cafeterias, mobile food units, retail stores with food preparation ,ect.)
Dennis Bauer, M.S., R.S., S.E.O, Program Coordinator

Administration & Field Activities
The Department administers this Program through its "Rules and Regulations For Conducting and Operating Food Facilities". These revised food safety regulations were effective November 1, 2004 and models the PA Department of Agriculture Food Code of 2003. A field office supervisior supported by Environmental Protection Specialists (EPSs) manage the Food Safety Program.

Licensure and Inspections
The Department licenses and inspects all food facilities, including eating and drinking facilities, mobile food units, retail food stores with food preparation and temporary food facilities, and has a Certified Food Safety Manager program (CFSM application SA 105) All food facilities require licensing and annual inspections. Food licenses are not transferable between owners.More frequent inspections are conducted as warranted or in response to consumer complaints or reported possible foodborne/waterborne illnesses. Inspections deal with proper food safety techniques used during preparation, handling, storage, and service of foods for consumption. Retail food facilities not having food preparation, wholesale food facilities and food processors are regulated by the PA Department of Agriculture (610-489-1003) or www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

In addition, the Department offers guidelines(form SA-109) to food facility operators regarding food security practices and recommendations. Food safety seminars are available to food facility operators and the public upon request.

Forms for New Food Facilities and Changes of Ownership
Food Facilites with a new owner or change in ownership, require filing license forms:

• "Bucks County Department of Health Application for License to Conduct and Operate a Food Facility" (SA-13. 04/05 )
• "Bucks County Department of Health Plan Review Application for Food Facilities"(form SA-86. 04/05), with attachments.
• Ther is a "Food Facilities Fee Schedule" (form ADM-71). *For further information contact the nearest District Office.

License renewal requires the completion of:

• "Bucks County Department for Health Application for Renewal of License to Conduct and Operate a Food Facility"
  (form SA-13R. 04/05 )

Temporary Food Facilities
The Department licenses and inspects temporary food facilities operating within the County. A temporary food establishment is one that operates at a fixed location for a period of time not more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event. A license for such facilities requires completing the form and a satisfactory inspection:

• "Bucks County Department of Health Application for License to Conduct a Temporary Food Operation" (form SA-13T).
• Guidelines for the Operation of Temporary Food Service Facilities By Charitable Or Non-Profit Organizations (handout SA-76).

Food Safety Manager Certification Program
The Food Safety Manager Certification Program is done in conjunction with licensing of food facilities and ensures that all licensed food facilities employ at least one full-time certified manager for all hours of operation or food preparation. Participation in the program requires completing one or more of the following applications, as appropriate to the situation:

• "Bucks County Department of Health Division of Environmental Sanitation Application for a Certified Food Safety Manager Certificate" ( form SA-71)
• "Bucks County Department of Health Division of Environmental Sanitation Application for a Duplicate Copy of a Certified Food Safety Manager Certificate" (form SA-71A )
• Certified Food Safety Manager Course Instructor List. Contact the nearest District Office for this list.

Please telephone the nearest District Office for licensing information, scheduling inspections, filing a complaint, reporting an alleged foodborne/waterborne illness and for information on the Food Safety Manager Certification Program.

*Food Facilities Rules and Regulations