Public Health Legislation and the Role of the Health Department
The Role of the Local Health Department The Health Department is required by law to fulfill the following four roles
1. Inspection
The health department’s Inspection Division is to make sure that the food supply eaten by the public is safe. They ensure this through the inspection of food premises and having the operator of the premises correct any problems.
2. Enforcement
The health inspectors are required by the legislation to enforce the food premises regulation and to prosecute any food premises that are not complying with the accepted standards. They can issue orders, tickets, fines and summons to court to obtain compliance. They also have the authority to shut down any establishment they feel threatens public safety.
3. Education
It is not possible for the health Inspector to inspect all food that is being served, therefore they are obligated to educate food handlers. They provide information on safe food handling, make them aware of proper food handling techniques and knowledge to ensure that they serve only safe to eat food.
4. Development of Food Safety Programs
A food safety program contains all the aspects of food safety including inspection and education and ties them together. A food safety program empowers the operators to regulate themselves in ensuring the food is safe to eat.
By Laws Explained
By laws are created by regional or municipal governments to deal with local issues. Each municipalities by laws are different and are created to suit the needs of the people who live there. By laws you might be familiar with include garbage and recycling pick up as well as public smoking laws.