Food Program
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that each year 76 million cases of food borne illness occur and more than 300,000 persons are hospitalized and 5,000 die from food borne illness.
The Environmental Health inspectors conduct unannounced evaluations of all food establishments throughout Winnebago County. During the inspection process, our staff completes a very thorough inspection.
The Winnebago County Health Dept. has 6 full time food service inspectors and 1,783 food service facilities in Winnebago County: 548 high risk facilities (prep and hold potentially hazardous foods for more than 12 hours or serve a high risk population); 819 medium risk facilties (prep and serve within 12 hours); and 416 low risk facilities (no food prep). High risk facilities are typically inspected 3 times per year, medium risk facilities are inspected 1 time per year and low risk facilities are inspected at least once every 2 years.
The WCHD also issues an average of 700 temporary food permits yearly. Temporary food permits are due at least 2 weeks prior to the event and are inspected the day(s) of the event. No applications will be accepted less than 1 business day before the event.
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Important Information Regarding Food Code Changes
Letter to Food Operators regarding FDA Food Code
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Temporary and Special Event Applications
Procedures for Concession Stand Operators
Temporary Food Establishment Commissary Sharing Agreement
Temporary Event Power Point Handout
Temporary Event TENT Self-Inspection
Temporary Event TRAILER Self-Inspection
Our New Newsletter is Here! Click image to view entire full size document.
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Cottage Food Law
The new Cottage Food Law went into effect as of January 1, 2012. This law allows producers of food prepared in their homes to sell specific items at Farmers' Markets with limited regulation by the Winnebago County Health Department.
Download the entire text of the 2012 Cottage Food Law by clicking here.
Download the Cottage Food Operations Fact sheet by clicking here.
Download the Cottage Food Industry Registration form by clicking here.
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Putting Out Grease Fires
While dry chemical fire extinguishers can be used to put out a grease fire, their use may cause a restaurant to close for extensive cleanup or require additional health and fire inspections. Grease fires can be extinguished by covering the flame with a pan, lid, or wet towel. Below are two useful resources for more information on safely and effectively putting out grease fires in the kitchen.
http://www.wikihow.com/Put-out-a-Grease-Fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhM8_wqd9CE
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Homeland Food Security
"If You See Something, Say Something"
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A complete listing of the Food Code can be found in Chapter 50, Article
III. http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=12529&sid=13
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Locations
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Winnebago County Health Dept.
401 Division Street - 2nd Floor
Rockford, IL 61104
Mailing Address:
PO Box 4009 Rockford, IL 61110-0509 |
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Eligibility
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All food establishments: bars, restaurants, convenience stores |
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Cost
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Environmental Health Fee Schedule 2018 |
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How do I get services?
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Apply at Environmental Health, Room 205 at the Division Street location |
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Hours
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8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday |
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Contact
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(815) 720-4100 |
FOOD PERMIT renewal applications are mailed in October of each year and are due no later than December 15 for the next calendar year (December 1 – November 30).
Food Handlers Certification Classes
On-line Food Handlers Certification Class - America National Standards Institute