If you’ve gone out to eat at any restaurant in Sacramento County you probably noticed the color-coded sign posted near the entrance with results of the establishment’s latest health inspection. January 2012 marks the 5-year anniversary of Sacramento County’s Green-Yellow-Red food facility rating program. Since the program began, food facilities receiving a green or “Pass” placard increased from 88 to 94 percent, said Val Siebal, director of the Environmental Management Department. At the same time, major health risk violations that could potentially cause foodborne illness have decreased. Restaurants are inspected three times a year and other food facilities twice a year. Routine inspecti

Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off swim season in Sacramento.  That means we’ll soon be heading to the beaches and pools to soak up the sunshine and cool off.  On Tuesday, May 24, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to proclaim May 23 – 29, 2011 as Recreational Water Illness and Injury (RWII) Prevention Week. The goal of this observance is to raise awareness about healthy and safe swimming behaviors, and how you can prevent illnesses when enjoying swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. 2011 RWII Prevention Week Theme: Swimmer’s Ear Swimmer's ear (also known as otitis externa) is an in

Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) is alerting restaurant operators and others in the food facility industry about fraudulent activity involving an individual or individuals contacting food establishments claiming to be a health inspector. EMD has received complaints that someone using various names is calling local food businesses claiming to be a “health inspector” and stating an inspection is scheduled, usually for the next day. The restaurant operator is then given a phone number to call to verify the inspection, and in some cases a “confirmation number” is also given. However, there is no such inspection and the inspector imposter never arrives. John Rogers,

As of Jan. 1, California takes precautions to ensure restaurants and other food facilities follow the dictate's of Assembly Bill 97, which prohibits the use of oil, shortening and margarine with more than 0.5 grams of trans fat.  The law was authored by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2008.  California became the first state to pass such a law, although cities such as New York and Boston have similar laws. According to Mendoza's Trans Fat Ban Fact Sheet, trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of deaths in the country.  "This is more than just legislation. This is a call to action that takes into consideration the health