There is a new restaurant opening
nearby. What does the health department do to protect me if I eat there?
Plans for new and remodeled food service facilities
(restaurants, bars, cafeterias, etc.) in Genesee County are reviewed by
the Environmental Health Division of the Genesee County Health
Department. Plan review is very important when building or remodeling a
site where food and drink are served to confirm that it meets standards
of the Michigan Public Health Code. After the plans are reviewed and
approved, the health department issues a construction permit. When the
building or remodel is finished, health department staff inspects the
facility to verify that all was done according to the approved plans.
Only then will the facility be approved to open and serve food and drink
to the public.
Health department staff also inspects food service sites when there
is a change in ownership. A license to operate a facility that serves
food cannot be transferred to another person or place. New owners must
apply for a new license and for a complete evaluation of the facility,
the operation and the menu. If any public health code violations are
found, they must be corrected before a license can be issued to a new
owner. So that food safety can be assured, the health department also
evaluates established food facilities when basic operating changes
occur, such as adding menu items, adding outside catering, or changing
major equipment.
Application packets for the building or remodeling of a food service
facility and a change of ownership are available at the Genesee County
Health Department. Call (810) 257-3603 for more
information.
