ENVIRONMENTAL FOOD SAFETY

Will County Community Health Department Food Service Sanitation Code

The Will County Health Department Food Service Sanitation Code includes the adoption of the 2019 FDA Food Code to the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code. As inspectors adjust to a new code, a new inspection form and new enforcement, inspections may take longer.

One significant change is the requirement for a PERSON IN CHARGE (PIC).

• The PIC shall be the permit holder or designated by the permit holder
• Be present during all hours of operations.
• Must be a Certified Food Protection Manager.
• The PIC shall demonstrate knowledge of food borne disease prevention, the application of food safety principles and the requirements of the Food Code.
• Not designating a PIC, that can fulfill the requirements, will result in a priority violation that could impact whether the food service establishment will retain their permit to operate.

Additional changes include the requirement of an Employee Reporting Agreement, Vomit and Diarrheal Incident Cleanup Policy, and Hand washing signs to be posted at all hand sinks.

New Allergen Signage Requirement

The Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act was updated to include Food Allergy Awareness requirements. This affects all restaurants, by definition and restaurant is any business that primarily engaged in the sale of ready to eat food for immediate consumption. Effective August 23, 2019, with enforcement beginning July 1, 2020, a restaurant shall display a notice indicating to consumers that any information regarding food allergies must be communicated to an employee of the restaurant. Then, that employee shall communicate that food allergy information to the Person in Charge (PIC) or Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on duty at this establishment.

More information on signage can be found at the IDPH website.