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Catering in Sonoma County
Sonoma County Department of Health Services
Environmental Health Division
475 Aviation Blvd., Suite 220
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-6565
What
do I need to operate as a caterer in Sonoma County?
What
is a commercial food facility?
What
food safety and sanitation basics do I need to know?
Where
do I get information on food safety and sanitation?
What
commercial equipment do I need?
What
is a Retail Food Facility Permit and how do I obtain the permit?
What
are some other agencies I need to contact?
 Commissary Agreement
What do I need to operate as a
caterer in Sonoma County?
- A commercial food facility.
- A Certified Food Handler certificate.
- Adequate equipment to safely handle food.
- A Retail Food Facility Permit.
What is a commercial food
facility?
-
It's a kitchen as well as a place where perishables,
nonperishables and equipment can be received and stored and where food
is prepared and kept at the proper hot, cold or frozen temperatures
until ready for use. There should be adequate room to store food and
equipment. If you share a facility with another food business, each
business should have adequate room to store food and equipment.
-
The facility is separate from your residence kitchen.
What food safety and sanitation basics
do I need to know?
Where do I get information
on food safety and sanitation?
-
Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Environmental
Health Division, 707-565-6565.
-
The Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant
Association, 1-800-809-6032, ext. 150.
-
Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Program.
-
Your local library.
What commercial equipment
do I need?
-
Refrigeration for cooling potentially hazardous foods
from 140° F to 41° F within four hours.
-
Refrigeration for cold holding potentially hazardous
foods at 41° F or below.
-
Cooking equipment available to prepare a given number
of meals.
-
Hot holding equipment for holding potentially hazardous
foods at 140° F or above (examples: steam tables, propane
burners, Alto-Shaam ovens).
-
Hot holding units for the safe transport of potentially
hazardous foods at 140° F or above (examples: Cambros, thermal
containers).
-
Cold holding units for the safe transport of potentially
hazardous foods at 41° F or below (examples: ice chests, refrigerators,
Cambros, thermal containers).
-
Accurate thermometers to evaluate temperature of potentially
hazardous foods.
-
Hand-washing sinks available with soap, paper towels
and hot- and cold-running water delivered through a mixing faucet.
-
Necessary sinks for food preparation and dishwashing.
What is a Retail Food Facility
Permit and how do I obtain the permit?
-
It is an acknowledgment from the Department
of Health Services that the applicant's food facility is permitted
to prepare food and that the procedures and equipment necessary to
transport the food meet the requirements of the department.
-
Possession of the permit indicates that the applicant
has been made aware of the requirements for compliance of food safety
and sanitation regulations. It is your responsibility to know the principles
of food safety and sanitation. The permit fee is based on the appropriate
food facility category. It is valid for twelve months and must be renewed
on your anniversary date each year.
-
You can obtain a catering permit from Sonoma County Department
of Health Services, Environmental Health Division. You may call 707-565-6565
to make an appointment or to discuss your plans.
Now that I have my commercial
food facility and equipment and know food safety and sanitation basics,
what are some other agencies I need to contact?
-
Specific regulations regarding the operation and licensing
of catering businesses are governed by the city, county and state in
which you will do business. Additionally, there are various state and
federal requirements for employment taxes.
-
While this department cannot advise you regarding specific
business requirements, you can contact the following agencies regarding
the operation and licensing of your business:
Your local municipality regarding permits and licenses
for business, zoning, fire department, signage and taxes.
The local business offices for the State of California
and the Internal Revenue Service regarding fictitious business name,
employment and tax requirements.
Your insurance broker regarding workers' compensation,
business liability and other insurances, some of which are required
by law.
Our department looks forward
to working with you to ensure
safe food for everyone.
Questions, comments, suggestions? Send us email. |
