Food Hygiene Program

The Food Hygiene Program is designed to ensure that facilities regulated by the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County serve food, beverages, and snacks in a safe and sanitary manner and minimize the occurrence of food related illness. There are 3 main state agencies that license and regulate food service facilities.

• Department of Business Regulation (inspects restaurants)
• Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (inspects grocery stores and food outlets)
• Department of Health Food Safety and Sanitation

The Department of Health regulates food service establishments as defined under Chapter 64E-11(PDF 260KB)of the Florida Statutes. These include:

• Schools, Public & Private
• Civic & Fraternal Organizations
• Theatre Concessions
• Group Residential Facilities
• Bars and Lounges that do not prepare food
• Summer Feeding sites
• Other limited food facilities not regulated by DBPR or DACS

Most inspections of these facilities are conducted quarterly. The Department of Health also investigates suspected food borne illness cases in all establishments.  If you think you have become ill from eating in a food service facility, report it to our office immediately by calling one of the offices listed.

Food Handler Classes

This course will identify the Big 6, restriction and exclusion policy, proper and adequate handwashing techniques, cross contamination, and training requirements.

Important times and temperatures, proper food handling and storage, and common violations during inspections will also be discussed.

This course is free to the public and targets our permitted facilities employees; however, as long as there are available seats, we will not turn anyone away that wants to learn!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PascoFHC