Food Protection

Contact Information

Phone: (585) 753-5064
Fax:  (585) 753-5013

COVID-19

New York State Department of Health has developed Interim Guidance for Food Services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (“Interim COVID19 Guidance for Food Services”).This guidance applies to all restaurants and food services establishments, including food trucks, and other food concessions. It was created to provide owners/operators of food service businesses and their employees and contractors with precautions to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. 

Applications for Health Permits Must be Mailed or Faxed at this time due to Covid 19.

Plan review drawings may be mailed; if they are large they may be dropped off in the lobby.

No in person visits to our Food Protection Office due to Covid 19 at this time.

Food Protection

What we do:

• Issue permits to Food Service Establishments in Monroe County.
• Enforce Subpart 14-1 of the New York State Sanitary Code.
• Conduct routine inspections of regulated food service establishments, including restaurants, schools, bakeries, delicatessens, mobile vendors, and temporary food vendors.
• Respond to complaints of public health significance.
• Offer technical consultation and food worker certification training.
• Evaluate high risk establishments using HACCP (Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point) Principles.
• Investigate reports of food borne illness.
• Respond to emergencies that could result in food contamination such as occurs with fires, floods, power outages, and chemical and biological contamination.
• Participate in food recalls and embargoes.
• Participate in food and human specimen sampling and testing for food borne illness causing organisms or agents.
• Review plans for new and expanded facilities to ensure code compliance.
• Respond to information requests from the general public and food service operators.

Food Safety Applications

• Application For Approval Of Plans for a Food Service Establishment
• Application For a Permit To Operate a Food Service Establishment
• Application For a Permit to Operate a Temporary Food Service Establishment
• Application For a Permit to Operate at a Seasonal Farmer's Market
• Fee Waiver Request Application Form
• Credit Card Authorization Form

Online Information

• To view individual Food Service Establishment Inspection Results provided by New York State Department of Public Health: Health Data NY
• Seasonal Farmers Market Information
• Recommended Checklist for New or Remodeled Establishments
• Cart Requirements
• Commissary Requirements
• Mobile Requirements
• Food Sampling at Public Events
• First Aid For Choking Poster
• Questions and Answers For Temporary Food Vendors (Fairs/Festivals/Food Sampling Booths)
• Temporary Hand Wash Set-up
• Food Safety Temperature Guide
• Subpart 14-1 of the NYS Sanitary Code - Food Service Establishments
• Subpart 14-2 of the NYS Sanitary Code - Temporary Food Service Establishments
• Subpart 14-4 of the NYS Sanitary Code - Mobile Food Service Establishments and Pushcarts
• Cooling and Reheating of Potentially Hazardous Foods
• HACCP (Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point) Principles
• Hand washing and Glove Use for Food Workers
• Procedures for Safe Storage of Eggs and Foods Made With Eggs
• Use of Hands in Preparation of Ready to Eat Foods
• Keeping Food Safe during an Emergency

Food Worker Training/Certification

In June 2004, the Monroe County Department of Public Health expanded the mandated training requirements for Food Service workers within permitted facilities. We recognize two levels of trained workers: Level-1 Food Manager and Level-2 Food Handler.

The type of training that is required for each facility is based on the risk assigned to the permitted establishment (High, Medium, or Low). Risk classification is located on the permit under the permit number. All Food service operations must meet the mandated requirements. 

The Monroe County Department of Public Health offers periodic classroom sessions for local Level 2 Food Handler and Level 1 Manager but classes are suspended at this time due to Covid 19.   Additional information, and a full list of other training providers, can be found below in a 1-page Guide to Food Worker Training Certification.

Food Worker Certification Documents

•  Guide to Food Worker Training Certification
•  Food Worker Training Study Materials

Call 585 753-5064 if you have questions about training requirements or schedules.

Foodborne Illnesses 

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins Handbook (Bad Bug Book)