Information for Local Health Departments
Letters of Opinion
Listed below are the current Letters of Opinion issued jointly by the Ohio Departments of Health and Agriculture. These letters are reviewed and recommended by the Retail Food Safety Advisory Council.
| Letter Number | Description of Letter | Date Issued |
| 2019-01 | Time as a Public Health Control for Batters Mixed with Water | 3/21/2019 |
| 2016-01 | Clarification of the Labeling Rule | 8/1/2016 |
| 2013-01 | Licensing of Summer and After School Child Meal Programs | 7/17/2013 |
| Exempt Child Food Program Inspection Request | ||
| Exempt Child Food Program Inspection Report | ||
| 2010-02 | Time as a Public Health Control for Cut Tomatoes | 9/2/2010 |
| 2010-01 | Cold Holding at Farmers' Markets and at Temporary and Some Mobile Facilities | 2/23/2010 |
| 2022-01 | Special Requirements: Heat Treatment Dispensing Freezers | |
| 2024-01 | School Share Tables | 9/13/2024 |
Memorandums
Consumer Price Index for 2024; 2023
Hydrated pancake/waffle batter mix is considered as a time temperature control for safety food (TCS)
Use of Raw (Unpasteurized) Shell Eggs in Highly Susceptible Population Facilities (3/01)
Variance Request Form
Licensed FSOs conducting activities that require a variance must obtain a variance from the Director of Health. A complete Variance Request Form must be submitted to ODH along with any required supporting documentation (e.g. HACCP plan, scientific justification, etc.).
Conference Call
The next food safety conference call is TBA. Information to login to the call will be sent to all local health districts. If notification has not been received contact the food safety program at 614-644-7416 or email at foodsafety@odh.ohio.gov
Previous Conference Call Notes
Food Safety Conference Call September 2019
Food Safety Conference Call May 2019
Food Safety Conference Call December 2018
Food Safety Conference Call October 2017
Food Safety Conference Call June 2017
Trainings for Food Environmental Health Specialists:
Food Service Operation Inspection Workshop
The ODH Food Service Operation Inspection Workshop has been approved for 3.5 hours of continuing education for Ohio environmental health specialist registration. Contact the ODH Food Safety Program at foodsafety@odh.ohio.gov to find out how to get continuing education credits for watching the recorded webinar. The recording of the Food Service Operation Inspection Workshop hosted by ODH is available for online viewing. The webinar was conducted on 10/15/2020.
Cost Methodology Workshop
The ODH cost methodology workshop has been approved for two hours of continuing education for Ohio environmental health specialist registration. Contact the ODH Food Safety Program at foodsafety@odh.ohio.gov to find out how to get continuing education credits for watching the recorded webinar. The recording of the cost methodology workshop webinar hosted by ODH is available for online viewing. The webinar was conducted on 9/16/2020.
Mobile and Temporary Food Service Operations Workshop
The ODH Mobile and Temporary FSO Workshop has been approved for three hours of continuing education for Ohio environmental health specialist registration. Contact the ODH Food Safety Program at foodsafety@odh.ohio,gov to find out how to get continuing education credits for watching the recorded webinar. The recording of the mobile and temporary Food Service Operations (FSO) workshop webinar hosted by ODH is available for online viewing. The webinar was conducted on 4/26/2021.
FAQ for 2018 Revised Inspection Form
A list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the revised food inspection form the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Agriculture have received since the implementation of the form is now available. The FAQ will be continually updated as the departments receive more questions. If you have any additional questions about the inspection form, please submit them to foodsafety@odh.ohio.gov.