The food safety regulations were established to protect public health. Issues relating to food safety include: personal hygiene of food service workers, proper cooking and holding temperatures, approved food sources and food storage.
Cooking Tips--Here are some helpful hints designed for Holiday cooking but applicable to anytime you may be cooking for a group or preparing turkey or ham.
A temporary food establishment means any food service establishment, which operates at a fixed location for a period of time, not to exceed fourteen consecutive days. To offer food to the public at fairs, festivals and other events a permit from the environmental department is required. This includes temporary hot dog stands, hamburger grilling and lemonade stands. To apply for a temporary food permit, contact the health department at least forty-eight hours in advance prior to the event.
Bake sales may be held without the need of a temporary food permit. This exception is made because baked goods typically do not support the rapid growth of bacteria and are considered low-risk. This approval applies only to typical bake sale items such as cakes, cookies, breads and pies. Cream fillings and meringues are prohibited. A Bake Sale Authorization form must be obtained from the environmental department prior to the event.
Completion of the Food Handler Training course is required for all employees involved in food preparation at food establishments. It is mandatory that employees participate in the course within the first thirty days of employment. The Food Handler Training course informs food service workers of proper cleaning and sanitizing techniques, cooking temperatures, proper food storage methods and good personal hygiene practices. For information on course dates, contact the environmental department.
Kentucky On-Site Regulations are administered through the environmental department. The function of this program is to prevent public health hazards by providing for the proper disposal of sewage.
Site Evaluation
Prior to the installation of a sewage disposal system, you must first apply for a site evaluation. During the site evaluation, an environmentalist will assess the soil and topography of your lot. Based upon information gathered from the site evaluation and the size of you home, the septic system options best suited for the site can then be determined. At this point, a permit to install the system can be issued to the septic system installer. Prior to completion of installation, an environmentalist will inspect the system to ensure that the system was properly installed.
A permit is required to install a new sewage disposal system and to alter or repair an existing system. A permit is valid for one year from date of issue.
An existing system inspection can be conducted to determine if a system is functioning properly, and not causing a public health hazard. Existing system inspections are often required by lending companies prior to a loan approval.
Public facilities such as schools, mobile home parks, youth camps and public pools are permitted and inspected routinely. The primary concerns are communicable diseases and health hazards relating to sanitation of the facilities. The department ensures that garbage and wastes are disposed of properly and that the facilities are maintained in a sanitary manner. As well as sanitation, the identification of safety hazards is a concern in schools, youth camps and public pools.
General Sanitation
The purpose of the rabies program is to provide for the safety and protection of the residents and visitors of Woodford County. It is suggested that anyone bitten by an animal to contact their physician or emergency room. The animal bite shall then be reported to the health department. The health department is responsible for the quarantine of animals, and submission of samples for laboratory testing to determine if the animal is carrying the rabies virus.
Nuisance Control
The health department investigates complaints relating to nuisances, sources of filth and causes of sickness that may be injurious to the health of the inhabitants within the county. Nuisance control issues are associated with improper garbage disposal, grass and weed control, and circumstances that may lead to rodent and insect harborage. If a public heath hazard can be identified in these instances, a Notice To Abate A Nuisance may be issued to the responsible party.
229 North Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: 859-873-4541
Environmental: 859-873-9114
Fax: 859-873-7238
Garland
VanZant,
Director