The inspection and regulation of restaurants and groceries has been a core function of local public health since its inception more than seventy years ago. Routine inspections using the FDA Model Food Code, education of food service workers and the investigation of food poisoning outbreaks are used to improve the safety of foods served at our local eateries. The food safety program also inspects vending machine locations, mobile food units, and temporary food services.

A Guide to reading Standard Inspections:

Inspections are broken into 3 sections:

The top part of each inspection report lists the license information. This includes the name of the operation, the owner, license type, etc….

The middle section is a group of Item Numbers and check boxes. Each “x” indicates whether it is "In compliance, Out of compliance, Not applicable, or Not observed." 

The third section is Observations and Corrective Actions: This section breaks down like this:

1. Item number: this is the number from the Item in the middle section.
2. Code section where the violation can be found.
3. Priority Level: Critical (meaning it has a greater chance of causing illness) or non-critical.
4. Comment: This is a title of the code and the inspector's comment on the specific problem.
5. COS (Corrected On Site) is checked, if the problem is corrected during the inspection.
6. R (Repeat) is checked, if the violation has been noted in the last inspection or two.

To view inspection information for restaurants and retail stores, click here.

The Auglaize County Health Department began a new incentive program in the food program in 2017 called the “Gold Plate Award.”

This is a voluntary program and locations that wish to participate must apply during the licensing year in which they would like to be considered for the award. The Gold Plate Award is an acknowledgement given by the Auglaize County Health Department to food services that have demonstrated excellent food safety practices. 

This award is given annually and will be based on the facility's performance from the previous year. Award winners will be announced annually at the April Board of Health meeting and they will receive a certificate of award to be displayed in their food service establishments. We will also acknowledge the winners here on our website.