Food Establishment Inspections
The environmental health section is responsible for conducting sanitation inspections in several types of regulated food establishments. Those subject to inspection include restaurants, taverns, retail food stores, food processors and distributors, schools and senior nutrition sites, and mobile units (food trucks/boats, temporary events, famer's markets, concession stands).
The primary goals of the inspection program is to decrease the probability of a food or water-borne disease incident occurring in the area, to educate food workers, and to help ensure compliance with state and local sanitation requirements. Should a foodborne illness outbreak occur, environmental health staff would comprise a key component of the department’s epidemiology team, attempting to identify the specific source or sources of illness.
The environmental health section is currently responsible for inspecting over 300 food establishments. Inspection frequency is determined by a “public health priority” rating system that considers a number of factors including type of operation, extent of food preparation, past inspection history, etc.
All food establishments in Camden County are required to obtain an operating permit through the health department. Permits are non-transferrable. If a business with a current operating license changes ownership, the new business owner must contact the Camden County Health Department to obtain a new permit.
Child Care Facility Inspections
The environmental health section is currently responsible for conducting annual sanitation inspections of childcare facilities located in Camden County. These facilities are licensed and regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Child Care. They include centers, group homes, family child care homes, Head Starts and license-exempt facilities (nursery school or a facility run by a religious organization).
Inspections are conducted pursuant to a contract with the Bureau of Child Care and performed according to policies and standards set forth by that agency. Local inspectors attend an annual training and re-certification course mandated by the bureau.
Lodging Establishment Inspections
The environmental health section is currently responsible for conducting annual sanitation and safety inspections in lodging establishments in Camden County. State law (Chapter 315 RSMo) requires that lodging establishments be inspected and licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Our staff conducts the inspections pursuant to a contract with that agency.
Inspections are conducted according to standards (19 CSR 20-3.050) set forth by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services that became effective in early 2002.