WWHD Food Programs
One of the key responsibilities of the Westport Weston Health District is to ensure that food service establishments (restaurants, caterers, food stores, etc) prepare and serve food to the public that safe and hygienic. The Health District has several programs to do this:
Inspections
Inspections are the backbone of the Health District’s food program. Most food service establishments are inspected at least four times a year. The number of inspections is determined by the type of food that is served or sold.
The State Public Health Code determines the content of each inspection, and a State form is used to score the results of each inspection. Inspection results and shown each food service establishment manager when complete, and a schedule for correction of outstanding violations is set.
Click on the code name if you would like to see the applicable State Code and the WWHD local health codes that regulate food service (pdf files).
Plan Review
The physical layout and characteristics of a food service establishment have much to do with wholesomeness of the food served or sold at the establishment.
To make certain that equipment and layout of food service establishments meets code requirements, the Health District requires a physical plan review for any new establishment opening in Westport or Weston. This plan review is intended to make certain that the kitchens, refrigeration and hot holding appliances, and sanitary facilities can be cleaned, can hold proper temperatures, and are of commercial grade.
Establishments that wish to modify their physical facilities are also required to obtain a plan review permit.
Temporary Events
Temporary events (events running less than 14 days a year) are an important part of the life of our community. When food is served to the public at these events, the organizers will need a permit from the Health District. Because the food may be prepared and served in less than ideal surroundings, the Health District takes a particular interest in seeing that those organizing and managing temporary events are fully aware of the inherent difficulties of safe food handling in such circumstances.
Organizers of Temporary Food Events should apply to the Health District for a permit at least 14 days before the event. An application will need to be completed and submitted . Health District staff will review the application, make suggestions about the menu and serving venues if necessary. For the larger events, Health District inspectors will be on-site to see that the food service is in full compliance with the State and local health codes.
See Temporary event permits and guidelines
Restaurant Advisory Committee
In 1995, the Health District established a Restaurant Advisory Committee to advise Health District staff on enforcement issues from the perspective of the food service industry in Westport and Weston. Over the years, the Committee has sponsored training sessions for restaurant workers, advised on local Health Code changes and fees, and has helped implement Code changes such as the smoking ban in food service establishments.
Members are appointed each September by the Health Director and meetings are scheduled every two months from October to June. There are three positions open on the Committee, and anyone in the industry in Westport or Weston interested in joining should contact Lori Romick at the Health District (227-9571 ext. 227).
Training
Training of food service establishment staff in the best practices of food handling is a primary concern of the Health District. An important component of our food establishment inspections is training the staff involved when a less than optimum situation exists. When an inspection is complete, food establishment staff is shown what caused the violations, and what can be done to correct them.
From time to time, the Health District will sponsor training programs directed at a specific aspect of safe food handling and preparation.
Find out more about Food Safety at the following links: