Food Facility Program

This State-mandated program emphasizes illness prevention by providing three to four annual inspections of all retail food facilities in the City.  Follow-up inspections also occur when a facility does not meet the minimum standards of the California Retail Food Code (Cal Code).  Retail food facilities inspected include restaurants, bars, markets, food carts, coffee shops, bakeries, meat markets, farmer's markets, flea market (swap meet), boarding houses (fraternities and sororities), vending machines, food vending vehicles, licensed health care facilities, and schools (public and private). 

Complaints are given  priority and are handled expeditiously, especially when staff suspect foodborne illness.  The program responds to all food recalls received by the State Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health Services (DHS) by contacting retailers, making inspections, and/or by issuing press releases.

 Enforcement:

This program is mandated by both the State Health and Safety Code and the Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC).  A partial list of enforcement activities includes administrative hearings to suspend or revoke food  facility permits, assessing re-inspection fees to food facilities that require more service because they fail to meet the minimum required standards, and issuing citations for BMC infractions.

Education:

Classes in food handling and disease prevention are provided to educate food facility operators, fraternity staff, and sorority staff.  Special event operators and coordinators are trained regarding food preparation and storage (as well as, amplified sound impacts and standards).  Education means disease prevention and compliance which reduces the need for enforcement.

• Food Safety Information

• Food Illness Information

• Certified Food Handler Training

• Food Booths / Temporary Events

Do you need assistance or wish  to report a complaint?

Complete an on-line Request for Service form, or phone Environmental Health at (510) 981-5310 and TDD (510) 981-6903, or send an email to envhealth@ci.berkeley.ca.us.

Text Only Sidebar / City of Berkeley Home / Departments / Health & Human Services Home
Division on Aging / Environmental Health / Mental Health / Public Health

Health & Human Services Division of Environmental Health 1947 Center Street, Third Floor Berkeley, CA 94704 TEL: (510) 981-5310 FAX: (510) 981-5305 TDD: (510) 981-6903 Email: envhealth@ci.berkeley.ca.us