New Food Code Rules: Do You Know The Details?

“The health inspector visited our restaurant and said we need to have a warning on our menus that we serve raw animal foods. I was unaware of this requirement; where do I find out how to state that information?” – restaurant operator in Hood River, Oregon

By now most restaurants in Oregon are aware of the new FDA Food Code rules that went into effect on September 4, 2012. But based on questions we’ve received over the past several weeks, it appears many don’t know some of the specific changes and are searching for details on how to implement the new rules.

The Oregon Public Health Division Foodborne Illness Prevention Program developed a number of fact sheets on the various rule changes and new sanitation rules that operators can easily download online. For example, the Consumer Advisory fact sheet addresses the requirement to disclose to consumers the risk of eating raw or undercooked foods. The advisory outlines specific language that should be used in the disclosure and reminder statements, as well as gives examples of food types that would require a Consumer Advisory. To download the fact sheets, visit Oregon Health Authority (OHA) online.

As part of a comprehensive educational program for ORLA’s annual Convention this past September, representatives from OHA and Lane County Environmental Health gave a presentation on the new food code rules. Attendees learned how to prepare for inspections, documentation, wellness policies, and how to implement some of the major changes. Visit OregonRLA.org/Convention to download the presentation notes.

And in case you weren’t aware, ORLA’s website has a number of federal and state regulatory agency links conveniently listed on one page that restaurant and lodging operators can reference. Visit ORLA's website for more information, or call us at 503.682.4422.