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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 2026 as National Food Safety Education Month (Chair Brown)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 2026 as National Food Safety Education Month.
SUMMARY:
September is recognized nationally as National Food Safety Education Month, an annual observance that promotes food safety education and safe food handling practices to help prevent foodborne illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Partnership for Food Safety Education, the National Restaurant Association, and other public- and private-sector organizations promote food safety education and awareness activities during September.
In recognition of Food Safety Education Month, the Department of Resource Management’s Environmental Health Division will conduct focused educational inspections during September. This year’s campaign will emphasize proper hot and cold holding temperatures and cooling practices, which are important controls for preventing foodborne illness. The month-long campaign will be conducted in collaboration with the restaurant industry, with Environmental Health Specialists providing education and training to local food facility operators to increase awareness of safe food handling practices.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of preparing this agenda item and reproducing educational handouts and materials for Food Safety Education Month is nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2026/27 Working Budget. The Department recovers costs associated with administration of the retail food protection program through permit and plan review fees.
DISCUSSION:
Since 2004, the County has participated in a regional partnership with other local environmental health agencies, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma Counties, supported by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The goal of the partnership is to increase safe food handling practices at retail food facilities by improving local implementation of retail food inspection programs. In conjunction with National Food Safety Education Month, participating agencies conduct educational campaigns in September to emphasize the importance of food safety in preventing foodborne illness.
During September 2026, Environmental Health staff will conduct 300 focused inspections at food establishments, particularly those with a higher potential for foodborne illness due to the complexity of their food preparation activities. This year’s inspections will focus on proper hot and cold holding temperatures and cooling practices. Temperature control was selected as the focus of the 2026 campaign because improper food temperatures are a recurring violation observed at food establishments in Solano County and can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
During these focused inspections, Environmental Health Specialists will interview food facility staff and observe food handling practices to assess their understanding of proper temperature control and cooling requirements. Staff will also provide education on best management practices and distribute posters and handouts regarding the temperature danger zone and proper cooling techniques for display in food preparation areas.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt a resolution recognizing September 2026 as Food Safety Education Month. This alternative is not recommended because the resolution supports local and regional efforts to promote public health through food safety education and increased awareness of safe food handling practices.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Resource Management is coordinating outreach activities with the Solano County Health and Social Services Department, Public Health Services Division to provide information to the media and public regarding proper hot and cold holding temperatures and cooling practices and their role in preventing foodborne illness. Solano Public Health estimates that hundreds of Solano County residents will receive information regarding proper food temperatures and cooling practices through these outreach efforts in September.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION