Food Safety Program

The Food Safety Program plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community from foodborne illnesses that can arise from health code violations and improper food handling.

This program oversees inspections of various food service operations, including temporary setups, food vending machines, micro-markets, mobile food vendors, and retail food establishments.

The frequency of inspections and the associated license fees are determined by the Risk Level Classification.

It's important to note that food licenses cannot be transferred. When ownership changes, the existing food service or retail food establishment license must be canceled and a new one issued in the name of the new owner. Additionally, many new owners will need to submit a food facility plan review application before obtaining a new license. For those starting new or remodeled operations, plans must be submitted to the Tuscarawas County Health Department for approval before any construction begins. You can find the Food Plan Review Application further down the page.

If you notice any unsafe practices in a licensed restaurant, store, or food booth, please contact the Tuscarawas County Health Department at 330-343-5550.

You can report anonymously, or you can fill out an online complaint form by clicking here. For the latest FDA recalls, click here.

To access the most recent inspection reports for all licensed operations, please visit the State database linked below.
​​
​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're thinking about starting a restaurant or a retail food business, changing ownership, renovating your current space, or altering your license status (like updating your menu or changing how you prepare and process food), you'll need to submit a Food Plan Review Packet. For the complete application, just click the tab on the right.
A mobile unit refers to a food service operation or retail food establishment that operates from a movable vehicle, portable structure, or watercraft, frequently changing its location (like a food truck). For the complete application, please click on the Mobile Food Plan Review Application tab to the right.
In line with the Ohio Food Code, a temporary food service operation (FSO) or retail food establishment (RFE) refers to an [FSO/RFE] that is conducted at an event for a maximum of five consecutive days, with the exception of those specified in division (E)(2) of section 3717.43 of the Revised Code. Please click on the Temporary Food Service Application tab to the right. 
Attention:
Please remember that all temporary food licenses need to be obtained at least 10 days before your event. If you try to purchase a license within 10 days of the event, it will not be granted.

For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to the Environmental Health department at (330) 343-5550 or [email protected] .

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. 
​
​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