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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 5 findings
F1
In the past the Environmental Health Division has been very lax in its responsibility to provide mandated food inspections in a timely manner. In comparison, San Diego and Los Angeles both have established risk-based programs, which led to more inspections where extensive food preparation occurs and could be potentially hazardous. Sacramento inspectors have to waste time trying to track down mobile food carts who list only their main distribution address but not their site location, causing a backlog of these inspections.
F2
The Environmental Health Division needs more staff devoted to food preparation inspections and needs to allocate tasks to maximize the staff they have.
F3
The Environmental Health Division is not disseminating its inspection results effectively to the public.
F4
The county Environmental Health Specialists (inspectors) displayed a high degree of professionalism during inspections. The inspectors took time to explain violations and to train restaurant employees.
F5
The Environmental Health Division does not provide sufficient penalties for food service establishments to improve.
Recommendations 9
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R1aGive priority to inspections based on risk assessment, putting resources to work where the risk is highest. Increase inspections to 2 or 3 per year for full food service establishments with complex menus where large amounts of food are prepared.
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R1bRequire owners of mobile food carts to come to the County office for their inspections during a single month of the year, e.g., January. Schedule them all during that month.
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R2Staff should be increased from 11 to at least 22 full time inspectors. Each inspector should be provided personal digital assistant devices (palm pilots) to enter timely results of their inspections. All inspectors should have access to the automated database. Increased inspection fees from risk-based inspections and mandatory re-inspection fees should cover the cost of increased staffing.
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R3aGive the public what it wants and issue letter grades to restaurants inspections, which must be prominently displayed. Certificates or awards of excellence could also be given to restaurants consistently receiving a letter grade of A over 3 consecutive inspections.
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R3bThe county Environmental Health Division should establish its own Web site to post all food inspections results including grades, enforcement or closure actions, follow-up inspections, and complaint remedies.
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R4aThe county Environmental Health Division should encourage inspection staff development by allowing staff to attend training programs sponsored by government agencies and leaders in the food safety industry. 33
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R4bThe County Environmental Health Division should consider establishing an apprenticeship program to encourage recent college graduates to enter the field. Such a program would allow these individuals to move up to staff positions after they become registered Environmental Health Specialist.
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R5aEnforcement actions with severe implications should require immediate closure of the facility and mandatory re-inspections, paid for by the violator. Increase education for minor violations.
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R5bIncreased enforcement should lead to administrative hearings for repeat violators with ultimate license revocation.
Commendations 1
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CM1The Grand Jury commends the Sacramento County Environmental Health Division for the substantive progress it has made over the last year in increased inspections, enforcement, education, and disclosure of health inspection results. Although more work certainly needs to be done, it is reassuring to know that those in charge are capable and dedicated to making the changes necessary to provide the citizens of Sacramento County with the quality food inspection program they deserve. Response Required Penal Code Section 933.05 requires that specific responses to both the findings and recommendations contained in this report be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Sacramento Superior Court by September 30, 2003 from: Director, Sacramento County Environmental Management Department