The Food Safety Program is designed to promote, protect and improve the health of the public by monitoring and regulating the food handling and sanitary conditions of food service in institutional settings: 

• Assisted Living Facilities
• Bars and Lounges
• Civic & Fraternal organizations
• Limited Food Service
• Mobile Food Units
• Prison and Detention facility kitchens
• Schools
• Summer School food service programs
• Theatre snack bars
• Other Residential Facilities

Inspections are conducted within Escambia County 2-4 times a year depending on the type of establishment.  These facilities are regulated under Florida Statute 381.0101.htm and Florida Administrative Code 64E-11 (192kb; pdf).

Inspections consist of (but are not limited to):

• Ensuring that food is stored, handled and served in a sanitary manner to prevent cross contamination and the spread of food-borne illness.
• Utensils and serving equipment are properly cleaned and sanitized.
• Work areas and equipment are kept clean, safe and sanitized.
• Sanitary facilities are operational, clean and equipped with hand-washing facilities.

The client will receive a permit to conduct business after:

1. Food Establishment Guide (115kb; pdf)
2. Application for a Sanitation Certificate (15.9kb; pdf)
3. Payment of required Permit Fees are received
4. Facility Plans are submitted and approved (if opening business)
5. Construction site evaluation conducted and approved (if opening business)
6. Proof of “required training” through the Department of Health (if applies)
7. Final Inspection is conducted and given a rating of “Satisfactory”

As of July 1, 2010, due to changes in the Florida Legislature, the Department of Health no longer regulates Food Safety in Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Childcare Centers. Please contact ACHA  in regards to Hospitals and Nursing Homes and DCF for Childcare.

The Department of Health does not regulate restaurants.  Due to changes in the Florida Legislature, restaurant inspection and permitting was taken over by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You may contact DBPR at (850) 487-1395.

Most Grocery stores and convenience stores in our state are regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services You may contact DACS at 850. 245.5520.

If you have a complaint regarding food safety and hygiene at a facility please call us at 850.595.6700.

 Download Adobe Reader to view PDF files