Inspections – Food Facilities

Click Here to see the 2011 Golden Plate Award Winners

141 Yavapai County food establishments have earned the 2011 Golden Plate Award.

See Food Facility Inspections Online

What is the Food Facility Inspection program?

Inspectors conduct routine and follow-up inspections, as well as opening inspections for new or change of ownership food establishments, to ensure food safety procedures are in place. Inspectors also conduct investigations when they receive concerns from the public on food establishments.

A food facility may need a follow-up inspection if a critical violation(s) of the food code is found. If the violation is an imminent health hazard, the facility may be immediately closed. The license may be revoked for repeat critical violations. Food establishments are regulated under the Arizona Food Code, Arizona Administrative Code and Yavapai County Health Code.

Mobile Food Units and Push Carts

“Mobile Food Unit” means a vehicle-mounted food service establishment designed to be readily moveable. This term includes self-propelled kitchens and trailer-mounted kitchens.

“Push Cart” means a non-self-propelled vehicle limited to serving only non-potentially hazardous foods or commissary-wrapped food maintained at proper temperature, or limited to the preparation and serving of frankfurters.

A plan review is required to license Mobile Food Units and Push Carts in Yavapai County. When you submit the plan review application, you will also need to pay a plan review fee (fee schedule). The application can be found in the Mobile Food Unit Application Package. The Mobile Food Unit application package contains detailed information on requirements for Mobile Food Units and Push Carts. It is possible that the plan review fee will be waived if the Push Cart or Mobile Food Unit has previously been licensed in Yavapai County. To speed up the licensing process, you may also submit your commissary agreement, annual license application and the annual license application fee at this time.

Plan Reviews

Plan reviews are required for all construction of new food establishments and remodeling projects.

Food Establishment Plan Review

For Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Schools and all other food establishments
Review of food establishment plans helps ensure that the proposed food establishment, modification, or extensive remodel will substantially meet the requirements of the Arizona Food Code and Yavapai County Health Code. All food establishments must have plans reviewed and approved before starting construction. There is a plan review application and fee required for all plan reviews. Food establishments are regulated under the Arizona Food Code, Arizona Administrative Code and Yavapai County Health Code.

Any remodeling that will alter the size of the food prep area and addition or deletion of equipment, plumbing, wastewater lines, or plumbing fixtures such as sinks, requires a plan review. Minor remodeling, such as painting, new flooring, decorating the dining area, replacing equipment or fixtures with the same or similar equipment or fixture, does not need to be reviewed by the Environmental Health Unit. If in doubt, please email or call your local Environmental Health office.

If you are thinking about building or remodeling your facility, our construction guide can provide you a general overview of the requirements. However, it is recommended you contact us for specific requirements.

Process:

Building or Remodeling a Food Facility

Contact your local (City/Town/County) building department for all necessary permits for your construction.
Contact the Yavapai County Environmental Health Unit for a Plan Review application, a Food Safety Plan Information Packet and the Fee Schedule. Yavapai County Health Code requires that all food establishments have an approved Food Safety Plan. Complete the Plan Review Application and return it to the Environmental Health Unit with one set of plans and your plan review fee (fee schedule). Plans must be approved prior to the start of any construction. We suggest submission of plans approximately 2-3 months prior to the start of construction.
After construction of your new or remodeled facility, contact your assigned inspector 1 week prior to the opening date to schedule an “Opening” inspection. (Your license application must be completed, your Provisional Permit fee paid, and your Food Safety Plan submitted and approved at the time of your “Opening” inspection.)
Complete your license application and submit it with your Provisional Permit fee (fee schedule) to your inspector at the time of your “Opening” inspection. Your Provisional Permit is valid for 90 days.
You must be in adequate compliance with the Yavapai County Health Code when your Provisional Permit expires. When your Provisional Permit expires, we will invoice you for your Annual License. Please return the completed annual license form and fee payment. When paid and upon approval from the inspector, your Annual License will then be valid for 1 year and it will be mailed to you.

Changing Ownership of a Food Facility

Notify the County Environmental Health Unit of any upcoming change of ownership. The license is not transferable to the new owner and a new application must be completed. At this time, you should request a Food Safety Plan information packet. Yavapai County Health Code requires an approved Food Safety Plan for all food establishments.
Contact your assigned inspector 1 week prior to the date you would like to open to schedule an “Opening” inspection. (Your license application must be completed, your Provisional Permit fee paid (fee schedule), and your Food Safety Plan submitted and approved at the time of your “Opening” inspection.)
Complete your license application and submit it with your Provisional Permit fee to your inspector at the time of your “Opening” inspection. Your Provisional Permit is valid for 90 days.
You must be in adequate compliance with the Yavapai County Health Code when your Provisional Permit expires. When your Provisional Permit expires, we will invoice you for your Annual License. Please return the annual license form and fee payment. When paid and upon approval from the inspector, your Annual License will be valid for 1 year and it will be mailed to you.

Why is it needed?

Food has the potential of causing food-borne illness if not handled properly. Hazards include: improper holding temperature, poor personal hygiene, improper cooling, cross-contamination and foods from an unapproved source.

Who is required to obtain a license?

Everyone in Yavapai County who sells or gives food away to the public.

Is there a cost?

Yes, see Fee Schedule.

What are the goals of the program?

To improve food safety, thus protecting the public from foodborne illness.

What has the program achieved?

Our inspectors use education for help food businesses to attain increased food safety.

Where are the services for the program available?

We have offices in Prescott, Prescott Valley and Cottonwood offices.

Contact the Yavapai County Environmental Health Unit for more information.