Environmental Health
Food and Lodging Section
The Food and Lodging Program in Person County consists of four main areas, which are plan review and permitting, inspection, education, and complaint investigations.
The plan review process is a preventive process. All floor plans for new and existing restaurants that are being renovated must reviewed to assure that adequate space will be provided for food storage, food preparation, and clean-up. By reviewing building plans we can assure that all measures are taken to eliminate problems with food handling before the problems arise. All plans must be approved before construction may begin.
North Carolina State Law requires quality inspections to be made in the following establishments:
- All food service establishments, including meat markets
- Child Care Centers
- The hospital and the jail
- Assisted living/nursing homes and residential care homes
- Lodging Facilities
- School Facilities
The Food and Lodging section of the Person County Environmental Health department is also responsible for investigating complaints pertaining to any of the facility types mentioned above. Most complaints received are concerning sanitation and improper food handling procedures. All complaints must be documented and investigated within twenty-four hours. Recommendations are given and follow-up visits are made to assure corrections are implemented.
Effective July 1, 1995, tattoo artists are required to be permitted by an Environmental Health Specialist prior to operating a business. This permit is non-transferable and applies only to an artist, not a business location.
Frequently asked questions about Food and Lodging
Where can I get a copy of the restaurant rules?
http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/Rules/t15a-18a.26.pdf
I would like to open a restaurant, food stand, catering facility, or mobile food unit. What do I need to do?
Contact the food and lodging specialist and fill out the application. Click here for an application.
Why don’t you inspect bakeries?
Bakeries are inspected by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. www.ncagr.com/fooddrug
How can I view restaurant grade information?
http://www.wral.com/5onyourside/restaurants/page/1001540/
What is ServSafe?
ServSafe is a food safety class that is offered locally by Person County Environmental Health and Cooperative Extension. This class is taught on an annual basis. Food service establishments whose employees have passed the exam will receive 2 bonus points on the quarterly sanitation grade.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/person/pext_events.html