Food Services - School Food Permits

Health Permit Requirements

From: Joe Doser, Senior Environmental Health Specialist, Contra Costa Environmental Health

A health permit from Contra Costa Environmental Health Services is required to sell or give food away at the retail level. When considering the need for a health permit please note that food includes beverages and snack items. The permit must be held by the party assuming responsibility for the food operation. At present the WCCUSD school district has its own health permits for the Central Kitchen and the individual school sites. These permits are only for the food provided by WCCUSD Food Services.

Various PTA's, student clubs, school site administrations, and some off-site vendors who are allowed by school administrators onto individual school properties to conduct business are required to obtain their own permits. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, for example:

1. The PTA's or other groups could apply for an annual permit that would cover all of their various food operations. (This assumes they will have access to the kitchen facilities at each site, these facilities comply with the necessary standards for the food operations being conducted, and the permit holder complies with all regulations regarding the safe handling of food items.)
   
2. The school administration could apply for an annual permit that would cover any of the various food operations for which it is willing to assume responsibility. (Please note that while the school might hold a permit separate from WCCUSD Food Services, ultimately the School District would be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable Health Codes.)
   
3. Any private vendors allowed to set up on a campus and dispense food items would need to apply for their own permit specific to that site.
   
4. For one time events, the sponsors could apply for a temporary event permit that can be issued specifically for the event. This type of permit is usually issued to fairs and festival type operations.

*Selling without a permit is a misdemeanor violation of the California Health & Safety Code Sections 113920 and 113923.

To obtain a permit, please contact:
Contra Costa Environmental Health
2120 Diamond Boulevard, Suite 200
Concord, CA 94520
Ph (925) 646-5225
Fax (925) 646-5168