Health & Human services

BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

FOOD FACILITY INSPECTIONS

The goal of the Food Safety Program is to ensure that the food sold and served in the City of Long Beach is safe, wholesome, properly labeled and advertised, and produced under sanitary conditions. Food facilities inspected include: Restaurants, Markets, Bakeries, Bars, Hospital Cafeterias, Commissaries, Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles, Packaged Food Trucks, Food Carts, Food Warehouses, Food Salvagers, Food Processors.

CALIFORNIA MENU LABELING GUIDELINES

It is estimated that Americans consume a third of their daily calories from food prepared outside the home, including food from restaurants and similar retail establishments. Many people do not know, or underestimate, the calorie and nutrient content of these foods. In an effort to help consumers make informed choices, California has adopted federal menu labeling requirements which took effect May 7, 2018. 

Q: Who is covered by the new requirements?

This rule applies to all restaurants, grocery stores, and similar retail food establishments if they are

(1) part of a chain with 20 or more locations nationwide (regardless of the type of ownership, such as individual franchises), (2) doing business under the same name, (3) offering for sale substantially the same menu items, (4) sell restaurant-type food.

Establishments such as restaurants that are quick service and/or sit-down, grocery and convenience stores that serve restaurant-type food, food take-out establishments and pizza delivery chains, food facilities in entertainment venues (e.g., movie theaters, bowling alleys), buffets, cafeterias, chain coffee shops and bakeries, superstores, and food facilities located in universities and colleges if they meet the criteria. 

Q: What Does the Law Require?

• Disclose calorie information on menus and menu boards for standard menu items (including online order menus and drive thru menu boards).
• Disclose calorie information on signs adjacent to standard menu items provided through self-serve such as buffet lines, cafeteria lines, and in bakery cases.
• Post a succinct statement regarding daily calorie intake: “2,000 calories/day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary.”
• Post on menus and menu boards a statement that additional written nutrition information is available upon request for standard menu items. Additional information shall include total calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars, protein.

Assembly Bill 1616 , known as the Cottage Food Bill, was passed into law on September 21, 2012 and became effective on January 1, 2013. This law allows for the manufacturing and sale of specific low risk food products from a private home.

View more information on starting a Cottage Food Operation 

The Food Inspection Program:

• Enforces state and local food safety regulations in over 2,000 food facilities in the city
• Reviews plans and performs construction progress inspections on all new or remodeled food facilities
• Licenses and inspects mobile food facilities (carts) and mobile food preparation units (hot trucks)
• Regulates food operators at outdoor special events
• Licenses and inspects laundries, health spas, massage establishments, and tanning salons
• Focuses on the education of food handlers and food operators
• Stresses prevention of foodborne illness during routine inspections

Health Department Policy Allowing Dogs on Outdoor Dining Patios:

On July 24, 2012, the City Council approved a new policy allowing dogs on outdoor patios with dining service. This new policy will be implemented by the City's Health Department. The policy provides restaurant owners with the flexibility to determine whether or not to allow dogs on their patios. If restaurant owners decide to allow dogs on their patios, then specific sanitation and hygienic practices will be required (see link to Info Bulletin). A sign stating "Dog-Friendly Patio" will be required for those restaurants allowing dogs on their patios (see link for signage). A window sticker is available for restaurants to use in place of the sign if preferred. Dog owners taking their dogs to outdoor dining patios can review the below tips for dining with your dog (see link for Tips for Dog Owners). Any questions on this policy can be directed to Environmental Health at 562-570-4129.

Additional Information:

• Informational Bulletin- (For Restaurant Owners)
• Dog Friendly Patio Sign
• Tips for Dog Owners
• Overview of the Policy
• Letter to Food Facility Operators

Food Handler Card Requirement

The State of California Food Handler Card (SB602) is effective on July 1, 2011. Food handlers involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in a food facility must obtain a food handler card.

For additional information:

• California Food Handler Card Law Frequently Asked Questions
• California Accredited Food Handler Card Exam Providers

Additional Resources:

• California Retail Food Code (Cal Code)
• Food Inspection Program Brochure
• Food Inspection Program Brochure (Spanish)
• Cooling Techniques (English/Spanish)
• Cooking and Holding Temperature Requirements (English/Spanish)
• Food Safety During Power Outages
• Charitable Food Distribution Guidelines
• Food Donations 

Contact Us: For more information on Environmental Health Food Inspection Program, please call (562) 570-4132