The Food Protection Program promotes healthy people and healthy communities through education and regulation of food service establishments.

In Licking County, there are over 650 licensed food establishments, including restaurants, convenience stores, coffee shops, concession trailers, food vending machines, temporary food sales at events, delis, and grocery stores. Each of these establishments has owners, managers and employees who are expected to handle food safely to prevent disease and comply with state regulations.

Our sanitarians inspect these establishments an average of twice a year, more if needed. They also offer educational sessions for food handlers as indicated below.

Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code (UPDATED JANUARY 1, 2013)

Food Service Operation/Retail Food Establishment Plan Review Application

Power Outage Information For Food Service and Retail Food Establishment Operators

Restaurant and Food Establishment Inspection Database (Hosted by the Newark Advocate)

Food Safety Recalls

Food Safety Program Improvements (April 2013)

LCHD began implementing improvement initiatives in its Food Safety Program in late 2012, and this effort has continued in 2013.  The department implemented an Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP) in order to bring facilities with consistent violations into compliance with the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code.  LCHD also began indicating critical violations identified during its inspections on its inspection reports.  Doing so places an emphasis on violations with a higher potential of causing foodborne illnesses.  For more information regarding both initiatives please review the documents below:

Enhanced Enforcement Program
Critical Violations Information

Food Handler Training Class

Our sanitarians provide free Level I Certification In Food Safety courses for food handlers to increase their knowledge of food safety and the regulations we use during the inspections of the facilities in Licking County. The class usually last about 2 hours.  We can also provide customized trainings to meet the specific needs of  your operation, and we can conduct the training at your facility if you would like.  CLICK HERE to view our course schedule and you can EMAIL us to register for an upcoming class.  For more information feel free to call us at (740) 349-6535.

Food Handler Training Guide (English)*