Food Safety Program

The Food Safety Program is primarily responsible for protecting the community against foodborne illnesses resulting from health code violations and improper handling of food. It is responsible for inspections of food service operations, temporary food service operations, food vending machines, micro-markets, mobile food operations, and retail food establishments. Inspection frequency and license fees are based on the Risk Level Classification.

Food licenses are NOT transferable - upon ownership change, any existing food service or retail food establishment license must be closed out and issued in a new owner's name. Many new owners will also be required to submit a food facility plan review application before a new license can be issued.

For new or remodeled operations, plans must be submitted to the Tuscarawas County Health Department for approval prior to construction. Scroll down to find our Food Plan Review Application.

If you see an unsafe practice in a licensed restaurant, store, or food booth, call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at 330-343-5550. You do not need to give your name. You can also complete an online complaint by clicking here. If you are looking for the most current FDA recalls, click here. 

To view the most up to date inspection reports for all licensed operations please visit the State database below:
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​Things we do:
  • License and inspect all food service operations and retail food establishments
  • Temporary food service operations and retail food establishments
  • Approve plans for all new and renovated food-related facilities
  • Investigate foodborne illness and reports of contaminated food
  • Investigate customer complaints
  • Investigate reports of food related violations
  • Inspect vending machines that dispense food products

What are the differences in licenses?
  • A Food Service License is issued to a location or area where food is prepared and served in individual portions. Examples include restaurants, cafeterias, and schools.
  • A Retail Food Establishment License is issued to a facility that sells prepackaged food items, or sells multiple servings of food products. Examples include grocery stores, gas stations, and most pizza shops.
  • Temporary Food License: Issued to a facility that is operated at an event for no more than five consecutive days.
  • Mobile Food License: Issued to a moveable structure which must change locations at least once every 40 (forty) days.
  • Vending Machine License: Required if you sell food that requires temperature control (frozen, refrigerated, or hot food). A license is also required if the food is dispensed in an open container or cup, such as coffee, soda, soup, or hot chocolate.
Questions?
Please contact:

[email protected]
(330)343-5550

APPLICATIONS

If you plan to open a restaurant or retail food establishment, change ownership, remodel an existing location, or change your license status (i.e. change of menu or food preparation and processing methods), you must submit a ​Food Plan Review Packet. Click the tab to the right for the full application.
A mobile unit is defined as a food service operation or a retail food establishment that is operated from a movable vehicle, portable structure, or watercraft and that routinely changes location (i.e. food truck).
​Click the Mobile Food Plan Review Application tab to the right for the full application.
According to the Ohio Food Code, a temporary food service operation (FSO) or retail food establishment (RFE) "means an [FSO/RFE] that is operated at an event for no more than five consecutive days...except [those] under division (E)(2) of section 3717.43 of the Revised Code.” Click on the Temporary Food Service Application tab to the right. 
NOTICE: All temporary food licenses must be purchased at least 10 days prior to the event. If license is attempted to be purchased less than 10 days prior to the event a license will not be issued.

​Contact the Environmental Health department at 330-343-5550 with any questions.

Food Safety Level II (Manager) Training


Please join our friends at the Ohio State University Extension Office of Tuscarawas County for the Ohio Department of Health Level II Food Safety (Manager) Training. 
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​You can click the tab below to view the flyer or by clicking here for additional registration dates and information. 
*Spanish or Mandarin courses may also be available upon request.

To ensure that your Level II Certification in Food Safety is an approved course, all food operators must obtain an additional certificate from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to display with your Level II Food Safety Certificate. Click on the tab above to apply.

Additional Resources