FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How can I obtain a copy of the Retail Food Inspection Marking Guide?
The Retail Food Inspection Marking Guide, links to agencies involved in various
aspects of food safety, as well as a summary of changes of the new California Retail
Food Code, can be obtained by visiting our website at,
publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh.
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How can I obtain a copy of California Retail Food Code (Cal Code)?
A copy of the California Retail Food Code can be downloaded from the following web site:
www.ceha.org.
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What happens to my Certified Food Handler Certificate with the implementation of Cal Code?
Food safety certificates issued on or after 05/01/2004 will be valid for five (5)
years from date of issuance. Food safety certificates issued on or before 04/30/2004
are valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance. Food safety certificates
clearly identified with an expiration date are no longer valid after the date
indicated.
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How will the changes in Cal Code affect scores / grades?
The Department does not anticipate a significant impact on the scores / grades of
most food facilities. However, revisions that have been required of the Food
Official Inspection Report (FOIR) may have some effect on the scores / grades of a
small number of facilities.
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Will there be a grace period before the changes are enforced?
Effective July 1, 2007, the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law (CURFFL)
will be repealed in its entirety and be replaced by Senate Bill 144 (SB144),
California Retail Food Code (Cal Code). As a result, there will be no grace period
prior to the implementation of Cal Code.
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Will my facility be required to upgrade to meet any new construction requirements?
Not withstanding new construction or remodeling, your facility will be able to
continue as it was originally approved to operate.
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If my plans were approved prior to July 1, 2007 based on CURFFL, will I have to resubmit new plans based on Cal Code?
New plans will not be required as long as construction is completed within one year from date of approval.
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What options are available if the permit holder is unhappy with the grade / score?
$ A permit holder may request an owner initiated inspection once in a twelve month
period which provides for a new routine inspection and the opportunity for a facility
to improve their grade.
$ A permit holder may request that his / her inspection report be reviewed by a
supervisor at the local Environmental Health Office.
$ The office of the Ombudsman is available to assist with the equitable resolution of
disputes pertaining to matters involving issuance of grades / scores or with
inspection process discrepancies. The office of the Ombudsman may be contacted at
(626) 430 – 5311.
Housing Inspection Bureau