The Retail Food Safety Program at NCHD is the Environmental Health Division's largest program. Our staff covers approximately 400 restaurants, grocery stores, schools and other facilities that store and/or serve food throughout our health district. We perform twice-yearly inspections on most facilities, or more frequently if a facility has had a history of critical violations or is the subject of complaints.

When we inspect facilities we are looking to ensure there are no violations that could contribute to a foodborne illness. We check to make sure foods are cooked and stored at appropriate temperatures, that facilities are clean and sanitization procedures are being followed, that food service staff are practicing good personal hygiene, and that all equipment is kept in working order. We also participate in the education of food service staff in northeast Colorado by offering ServSafe Food Handler and Manager trainings.