LA County is increasing attention on food safety requirements for charitable feeding organizations. If your organization stores, prepares, or serves donated food, make sure you understand whether you need a permit, registration, or additional food-safety training.
Not sure what applies to your organization? Use the decision tree below to identify your requirements.
If You Need a Permit, Here's What to Expect
For a new food facility in LA County, the process generally involves plan approval, construction/equipment compliance, a final inspection, and obtaining the Public Health Permit. LA County says new food facilities require Environmental Health approval of their design and construction through the Plan Check process before the facility begins operation.
Review LA County’s Guidelines for Safe Food Donation: Download Here
1. Review your operation.
Before investing in equipment or remodeling, determine exactly what your organization does. Your food-handling activities determine the requirements for your facility. For example:
Do you only distribute packaged food?
Do you refrigerate or store perishable food?
Do you portion, reheat, assemble, or prepare food?
2. Get your facility ready.
Depending on the operation, inspectors may look at things such as
Handwashing facilities with hot and cold running water, soap, and single-use towels
A three-compartment warewashing sink when required
Sink compartments large enough to accommodate your largest utensils/equipment
Appropriate food-preparation sinks where required
Refrigeration capable of maintaining required food temperatures
Proper hot-holding equipment when applicable
Approved, sanitary food-contact equipment
Adequate food storage and protection from contamination
Don't buy equipment or remodel first and ask questions later. LA County requires plan approval for applicable new construction and remodeling, and changes to equipment, menus, or methods of operation may require Environmental Health review
3. Submit your application and plans.
For facilities requiring plan review, you'll submit the appropriate application and plans to LA County Environmental Health. Once plans are approved and construction is complete, a final inspection is conducted. The Public Health Permit application is then completed as part of the approval process.
4. Pass inspection and maintain compliance
Your organization needs to continue operating within the scope of its permit and maintain food-safety requirements and compliance.
To learn more about how to request a public health permit or license, follow the instructions provided on this page, as well as the contact information of the LA County Public Health Department: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/about/permit.htm