Source: https://www.knoxhealth.com/index.php/environmental-health/food-safety
Click Here to see 2026 Environmental Health Fees Effective January 01, 2026
Recall List
Click here for the list of food recalls issued in the State of Ohio.
Obtaining a new food license
Opening a New Food Service or Retail Food Establishment
Food Establishment Plan Review Application
Mobile Food Service Application
Temporary Food Packet : Includes overview of the rules and the application. All questions must be answered.
State Regulations
Ohio Food Code The rules and regulations for all food facilities including temporaries and mobiles
Cheese exempt list Listing of Some Hard and Semisoft Cheeses Exempt from Date Marking
Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules
Educational Materials
Ohio Department of Health Food Recalls: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/food-safety-program/food-recalls/
Ohio Department of Agriculture Food Recalls: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/home/recalls/recalls
Click here to see the food inspection report for the current and previous year.
Food Safety Fact Sheets
The following food safety fact sheets are available for downloading in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Click the corresponding link for each fact sheet:
Fire & Food Safety
A fire within a food service operation may affect the operation’s ability to provide safe food to its customers. Information in the Fires & Food Safety in a Food Service Operation fact sheet will assist the operator in determining how to assess and recover from a fire event within the operation.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Flooding in FSO
When a flood occurs within a food service operation, there are potential health concerns that can be caused by the flood event. Prior to re-opening, the person-in-charge of a food service operation should conduct a complete self-inspection to ensure that normal operations can be resumed safely and without compromising food safety.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Food Safety & Power Outages: When to Save and When to Throw Out
Power outages occur for many reasons. The Food Safety & Power Outages: When to Save and When to Throw Out fact sheet provides guidance to consumers on what foods can be saved following an extended power outage, and what foods should be thrown out.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Nitrates and Food Safety
Nitrates and nitrites are chemicals that can be found naturally in air, soils, surface waters, and groundwater, and in foods and other products. Two of the earth’s most common elements, nitrogen and oxygen, combine to form these nitrogen-containing compounds. Nitrates are essential nutrients for plant growth. However, some people may be sensitive to exposure to nitrates. The Nitrates and Food Safety: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet providers information about the potential risks of exposure to nitrates and nitrites.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Potable Water Interruption
A sufficient supply of potable water is necessary in a food service operation for handwashing, food preparation, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, and other food service activities. Problems involving the water supply (including ice) are especially important since water may serve as a direct vehicle of contamination to food or food contact surfaces.
Whether a food service operation is served by a public or private water supply, anticipated and unanticipated interruptions in the supply of potable water can occur. Anticipated interruptions include routine or scheduled maintenance on the pump or plumbing, or less commonly, the diversion of the water during certain hours each day due to rationing. Unanticipated interruptions include plumbing failure, fire department demands, supply contamination, or system failure due to accidents or natural disasters.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Potluck Food Safety
No matter the occasion, when friends and family get together, food is often served. It’s fun to share your favorite dishes, but it’s important to make sure that your food doesn’t make anyone sick. The Potluck Food Safety fact sheet provides information to help ensure your next potluck is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Power Outage in FSO
Power outages occur many reasons. The Power Outage in a Food Service Operation fact sheet provides information for food service operators to assess and respond to a power outage event, including temporary alternative procedures during the event, and resuming operations once power has been restored. The fact sheet also provides guidance on determining which foods should be discarded and which may be saved after a power outage.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Sewage Backup in FSO
A sewage backup is the overflow of sewage from equipment or plumbing facilities within a food service operation. Sewage is liquid waste that contains animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution and may also include liquids containing chemicals in solution. Clear water waste (i.e. ice bin/machine drainage, condensation from refrigeration and air conditioning equipment) is not considered sewage. The Sewage Backup in a Food Service Operation fact sheet provides information to food service operators on how to be prepared for and respond to a sewer backup within the operation, including guidance on proper cleaning and disinfecting affected areas prior to resuming normal operations.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
Vomit/Fecal Cleanup
The Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code requires that all food services operations and retail food establishments have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting and fecal incidents. The Clean-up Guidance for Vomit/Fecal Accidents in Food Service Operations fact sheet provides information on how to properly clean and disinfect all affected surfaces within a food service operation to prevent the spread of illness to employees and customers.
Click the following links to access the fact sheet: English Spanish Mandarin
For More Infographics on Nutrition and Food Safety Topics please visit the link below provided by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration
https://www.fda.gov/food/resources-you-food/infographics-nutrition-and-food-safety-topics
Food Safety by Events and Seasons
Whether you’re planning a small summer cookout or a big holiday celebration, a camping trip or a potluck dinner, make sure your plans include food safety.
Parties and Large Groups
Downloadfull-resolution parties and large groups infographic
When food for parties and large groups is prepared in different locations by different people, how can you make sure that everyone prepares and stores food safely? Consult these guidelines:
Bag Lunches for School and Work
Downloadfull-resolution bag lunches infographic
Bacteria that cause food poisoning grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). To make sure perishable lunches and snacks are safe, pack them with two cold sources. Store them in a refrigerator or cooler on arrival, if one is available.
Keeping Bag Lunches Safe (USDA)
Spring Holidays
Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover or Mother’s Day, spring is a time for hosting holiday lunches or dinners with your family and friends, or for eating out. Follow these simple tips for food safety.
Food Safety and Dining Out (CDC)
Salmonella and Eggs (CDC)
Summer and Vacation
Downloadfull-resolution summer infographic
Foodborne illnesses tend to increase during the summer months because bacteria multiply faster when it’s warm. People also cook outside, away from refrigerators, thermometers, and sinks more often. Stay healthy and safe by following these food safety guidelines:
Grilling and Food Safety (USDA)
Smoking Meat and Poultry (USDA)
Hot Dogs and Food Safety (USDA)
How to Grill Safely (CDC)
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the most popular sporting event in the United States, but some would say that it’s about the food as much as the football. Follow these food safety tips to help you keep your chili, wings, and other nibbles safe and delicious:
Thanksgiving
Downloadfull-resolution Thanksgiving infographic
The Thanksgiving meal is the largest that many cooks prepare each year. The following information may help you prepare your special Thanksgiving meal and help you countdown to the holiday.
Stuffing and Food Safety(USDA)
Weddings
Downloadfull-resolution Weddings infographic *
When planning the perfect wedding menu, you can't afford to forget food safety. From the engagement party to the honeymoon, remember these food safety to-do's before saying your "I Do's". Whether catering or DIY, learn how to keep your guests safe.
Winter Holidays
Downloadfull-resolution winter holidays infographic
No matter what's on your menu, food is always a central part of holiday festivities. Whether you're an experienced cook, a first-time party host, or bringing a dish to a potluck dinner check out these resources for ensuring that holiday buffets and mail-order food are free from the germs that cause foodborne illness:
Serving Up Safe Buffets (FDA)
Mail-Order Food Safety (USDA)
Holiday Food Safety (FDA)
Provided By FoodSafety.gov
https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/food-safety-by-events-and-seasons
*This content is in the process of Section 508 review. If you need immediate assistance accessing this content, please submit a request to digital@hhs.gov. Content will be updated pending the outcome of the Section 508 review.
Date Last Reviewed
November 13, 2025