What are food service inspections?  

Environmental health professionals at the Health Department are responsible for inspections of all retail food service facilities in Cowlitz County, including, but not limited to, restaurants, temporary events, taverns and retail grocery stores.

Food service operations are inspected periodically to assess the operator's compliance with Washington's food safety regulations with the ultimate goal of preventing food-borne illnesses. Items that are evaluated include temperature control of food; food from approved sources; protection of food from contamination; sanitation of facilities; pest control; whether employees have health cards; maintenance of facilities, proper labeling of food; and hand washing facilities.

Unannounced inspections are conducted one to three times a year for each facility, depending on the level of risk of food-borne illness, type of food menu and size of the establishment.

Related Health Department Web Links

• Food Establishment Permits

• Food-borne Illness

• Food Complaints

• Food Handler Testing

• Temporary Food Permits

• Restaurant Inspection Reports

• Consumer Food Safety

What services do environmental health professionals provide for Cowlitz County?  

• Routine, unannounced inspections of food service establishments.

• Enforcement of food safety regulations, including  closure of non-compliant facilities

• Recommendations to facility operators about improvements in food safety.

Fees

Permit fees are collected to offset the cost of conducting inspections and the overall cost of conducting the Health Department Food program.

Fee Schedule