Health Care Agency | Public Health Services | Environmental Health Services

Frequently Asked Questions
Environmental Health

General Questions

1. How do I file a report, if I think I got sick from food?

2. Is the water at the beach safe for swimming?

3. Is the beach closed to swimming?

4. How do I report a food facility for health code violations?

5. How do I register a complaint about a public swimming pool or spa?

6. How can I find out if the paint in my house has lead in it?

7. My refrigerator door was accidentally left open overnight. Can I still eat the food inside?

8. What are the health risks from cockroaches in my home?

9. Where can I dispose of my household chemicals like used motor oil, leftover paint or unused pesticides?

10. Can I get cancer living next to an electrical supply tower?

11. What can you do about my neighbor's rotting trash that smells awful and has made my family ill?

12. How can I become a Health Inspector?

Water Quality -- Well Program

13. Do I need a permit to construct or destroy a well?

14. How do I obtain a well permit application?

Food Program

15. Why do stores sell food with old code dates?

16. Are there requirements to sell food to the public from temporary facilities?

17. How do I report a food facility for health code violations?

18. How do I file a report, if I think I got sick from food?

19. Can you test my food to see if there is anything wrong with it?

20. How do I know if a restaurant is safe?

21. Can I see the latest inspection report on a restaurant?

22. What do I have to do to start a food business out of my home?

23. What do I have to do to open a food facility and obtain a health permit?

24. What is the required temperature for hot/cold food?

25. Is it a violation of the law for a food worker to touch food with his/her bare hands?

26. How do I get an Orange County food handler's card?

Mobile Food Preparation Units, Food Carts and Food Production

27. What types of food can be sold from a cart?

28. Can I cook from a cart?

29. What is the difference between a mobile food preparation unit and a cart?

30. Can I store my cart where I operate?

31. When I get my permit, do you restrict where I can operate?

32. Where can I find a commissary?

33. What are the requirements for building a cart or mobile food preparation unit?

34. What are the requirements to manufacture a food from my home?

35. How can I get a permit to manufacture food?

36. Is there any less expensive way to manufacture food?

Pool Safety

37. How do I register a complaint about a public swimming pool or spa?

38. What is the health risk when there is a fecal accident in a swimming pool?

39. Isn't it against the law for children to be unattended in a public pool/spa area?

40. Why did the Health Department make my homeowners association turn down the temperature of the spa? It was fine the way it was!

Housing

41. What can the Health Department do about mold in my home?

42. Can the Health Department do anything about asbestos in my house?

Medical Waste

43. How do I dispose of used needles that I generate at home?

Answers

1.  How do I file a report, if I think I got sick from food?
All reports of possible foodborne illness reported to this Division are investigated. If you believe that you became ill due to a food product purchased in Orange County you may call (714) 433-6000 to report the incident. Be prepared to answer questions about the onset time, duration, and types of symptoms. Try to compile a list of all foods and drinks consumed for the two days prior to the first signs of illness, as this information is critical for the investigation. Some commercially distributed prepackaged foods, are regulated by other State or Federal agencies. The Environmental Health Division can assist in making referrals to the correct agency.
 
2.  Is the water at the beach safe for swimming?
Ocean waters along the Orange County coastline (including the bays and harbors) are monitored for indicator bacteria at least weekly year around to determine compliance with swimming standards. The Orange County coastline is safe for swimming. However, beach goers should avoid the water near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and avoid contact with any runoff on the beach. During the rainy season, swimmers should avoid ocean waters near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers for at least three days following the end of the rainstorm. In the event of a sewage spill, Environmental Health will formally close the beach by posting closure signs along the affected beach area.

3.  Is the beach closed to swimming?
Beach goers can call the Beach Closure Hotline 24 hours a day at (714) 433-6400 to determine if a closure or advisory is in effect.
 
4.  How do I report a food facility for health code violations?
The Environmental Health Division investigates consumer complaints regarding food safety and sanitation at all retail food facilities in Orange County. If you have a consumer complaint regarding an Orange County food facility, please call (714) 433-6000 to report the complaint. Please provide the name and address of the facility you want investigated and explain the conditions you are reporting.

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5.  How do I register a complaint about a public swimming pool or spa?
The Environmental Health Division investigates complaints regarding public pool safety and sanitation in Orange County. If a pool or a spa is available to the public or multiple families, the Environmental Health Division can investigate these complaints. Please call (714) 433-6000 to report an unsafe or unsanitary swimming pool or spa. Please provide the name and address of the public pool or spa you want investigated and explain the conditions you are reporting.

6.  How can I find out if the paint in my house has lead in it?
For information regarding lead, call (714) 433-6079.

7.  My refrigerator door was accidentally left open overnight. Can I still eat the food inside?
The answer to this question depends on the temperature of the food and how long it was held without refrigeration. Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature on the inside of the food. If the foods are not above 41°F, then it should be safe to eat. If the food has been above 41°F, then it is critical to determine how long it has been above 41°F. If the food has been above 41°F for less than 2 hours, it should be safe for immediate use. If the food has been above 41°F for more than 2 hours, then it is safest to discard these items.

8.  What are the health risks from cockroaches in my home?
Cockroaches have been shown to carry disease-causing microorganisms, parasites, and filth on their bodies. Cockroaches contaminate foods and the surfaces they crawl over because they regurgitate partially digested food and drop feces while feeding. Approximately half of the people with asthma can also have allergies to cockroaches.

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9.  Where can I dispose of my household chemicals like used motor oil, leftover paint or unused pesticides?
Call the County of Orange Integrated Waste Management Department's Household Hazardous Waste office at (714) 834-6752.

10.  Can I get cancer living next to an electrical supply tower?
The studies relating to the effects of electromagnetic fields on the human body are not conclusive at this time. Some research indicates that it may be a risk, while other research indicates that it is not.

11.  What can you do about my neighbor's rotting trash that smells awful and has made my family ill?
Unpleasant as it may be, the odors caused by rotting food do not carry diseases. What the odors may do, however, is attract vectors like flies and rodents. Our Agency will notify your neighbor to correct that problem.

12.  How can I become a Health Inspector?
The inspectors that regulate food facilities, swimming pools, housing, and water quality are Registered Environmental Health Specialists. The minimum education and registration requirements for a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) are listed in the California Code of Regulations, Title 17. All Environmental Health Specialist trainees must be approved by the California State Department of Health Services (DHS) prior to beginning training with the County. To submit your college transcripts for evaluation, contact the DHS REHS Program, at (916) 449-5663.

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13.  Do I need a permit to construct or destroy a well?
Yes, for all types of wells. The Environmental Health Division permits the construction and destruction of wells in all unincorporated County areas and 26 of the 31 cities (excluding Anaheim, Buena Park, Fountain Valley, San Clemente and Orange).

14.  How do I obtain a well permit application?
You can call (714) 433-6287 or (714) 433-6288, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applications can be sent by mail or picked up at our office at 1241 E. Dyer Road, Suite 120, Santa Ana.
 
15.  Why do stores sell food with old code dates?
Manufacturers of dairy foods and baby formula are required to date their products. After this date, these products must be removed from sale. However with all other packaged food products, code dates are voluntary. Manufacturers who choose to include these voluntary dates often do to indicate a peak taste or nutritional value.

16.  Are there requirements to sell food to the public from temporary facilities?
Yes. Temporary food operations have specific requirements that are contained in the California Health and Safety Code. The Division has developed a policy that can assist you in preparing food legally from temporary facilities operating at approved events.
 

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17.  How do I report a food facility for health code violations?
The Environmental Health Division investigates consumer complaints regarding food safety and sanitation at all retail food facilities in Orange County. If you have a consumer complaint regarding an Orange County food facility, please call (714) 433-6000 to report the complaint. Please provide the name and address of the facility you want investigated and explain the conditions you are reporting.

18.  How do I file a report, if I think I got sick from food?
All reports of possible foodborne illness reported to this Division are investigated. If you believe that you became ill due to a food product purchased in Orange County, you may call (714) 433-6000 to report the incident. Be prepared to answer questions about the onset, time, duration, and types of symptoms. Try to compile a list of all foods and drinks consumed for the two days prior to the first signs of illness, as this information is critical for the investigation.

Some commercially distributed prepackaged foods, are regulated by other state or federal agencies. The Environmental Health Division can assist in making referrals to the correct agency.
 
19.  Can you test my food to see if there is anything wrong with it?
The Environmental Health Division does not routinely perform laboratory testing on food products in the possession of the consumer. If testing is conducted, it is usually done as part of an ongoing investigation. The Environmental Health Specialist in charge of the investigation will ask for a product release from the consumer if testing is necessary. If you would like a product tested for your own information, there are a number of private analytical testing laboratories listed in the telephone directory that have the ability to test food.

20.  How do I know if a restaurant is safe?
An Environmental Health Specialist will look at how food is being handled, stored, and prepared; the personal hygiene and habits of the employees; the general cleanliness of the facility; and observe the operation of a food facility to determine the level of sanitation. The Environmental Health Specialist has access to the entire food facility, but as a consumer, you can also view some of these things from the dining area. If you would like to see an inspection report on a food facility, please contact the custodian of records at (714) 834-2147.

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21.  Can I see the latest inspection report on a restaurant?
The inspection reports for every food facility in Orange County are available to the public for examination. To obtain access to the reports, please contact the custodian of records at (714) 834-2147.

22.  What do I have to do to start a food business out of my home?
The California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law (CURFFL) Section 114015 prohibits food prepared or stored in a private home from being used, stored, served, offered for sale, sold, or given away. In addition, private houses cannot be used for the purpose of selling, or handling food for retail sale. If you would like to start a new food business, you must apply for a health permit and operate out of a commercial food facility that conforms to the requirements in the Health and Safety Code. However, there is an exception allowing the sale of prepackaged, non-perishable foods from a private residence. Contact (714) 433-6000 for additional information regarding this issue.

23.  What do I have to do to open a food facility and obtain a health permit?
If you buy an existing food facility and do not change the building or the equipment, call (714) 433-6000 to find the inspector for your area. Make an appointment with the inspector for a health-permit inspection. The inspector will have you fill out a health permit application. This information is necessary to issue a health permit to you. The permit is only valid for the person, location and type of food sales listed on the permit application. The permits are non-transferable.

If you plan to build or remodel a food facility, it is necessary to submit three copies of detailed plans and specifications to Orange County Environmental Health. These plans must be approved by the Plan Check and Construction Section before you begin work. When you receive approval on the plans, you may begin construction. Contact your plan checker when the project is 75% to 80% completed for a preliminary construction inspection. Upon completion of the construction, contact your plan checker for a final inspection. You need final approval prior to opening for business. For more information, call (714) 433-6026.

24.  What is the required temperature for hot/cold food?
Hot and cold holding temperatures are only required for potentially hazardous foods. Potentially hazardous foods are foods that are capable of supporting the rapid growth of disease causing microorganisms (e.g. meat, dairy, poultry, fish, and other high moisture foods). Potentially hazardous foods must be held at or below 41 degrees F or at above 135 degrees F. California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law also contains minimum cooking temperature requirements for potentially hazardous foods. For more information on cooking temperature requirements, call (714) 433-6000 to request a cooking temperature informational bulletin.

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25.  Is it a violation of the law for a food worker to touch food with his/her bare hands?
The California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law does not prohibit bare hand contact with food as long as the food worker complies with the strict handwashing requirements in the law and does not engage in any activity which could contaminate the food. The Environmental Health Division strongly encourages the use of utensils whenever possible to minimize bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. To obtain information on this, please call (714) 433-6000, and ask for the bulletin on "Handwashing Requirements".

26.  How do I get an Orange County food handler's card?
The County of Orange does not have a law requiring a food handler's card for employees of food facilities. Food facilities are required to have at least one owner or manager with a valid food safety certificate.
 
27.  What types of food can be sold from a cart?
The types of foods which may be sold from a cart are prepackaged foods, unpackaged, non-potentially hazardous foods and hot dogs and cappuccino.

28.  Can I cook from a cart?
Unless specifically exempted, cooking is prohibited from carts. Exceptions include the popping of popcorn and the frying of churros. Please note that hot dog preparation is limited to the warming of precooked products.

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29.  What is the difference between a mobile food preparation unit and a cart?
A mobile food preparation unit is an occupied vehicle from which food is prepared. A cart is a vehicle which is limited to certain types of food handling and is usually operated by an employee standing on the ground adjacent to the vehicle.
 
30.  Can I store my cart where I operate?
You may store your cart where you operate if you utilize a mobile support unit. In order to have a mobile support unit, you will be required to submit plans. The mobile support unit will be used to remove all food, utensils, water, waste water and other food contact surfaces and transport these items to an approved commissary for storage, cleaning or sanitation. Otherwise, the entire cart must be returned back to the commissary at the end of each operating day for storage, servicing and cleaning.
 
31.  When I get my permit, do you restrict where I can operate?
No. Your health permit does not restrict where you can operate, however, you should check with local city zoning requirements. Some cities prohibit the operation of carts, ice cream trucks or other vehicles.

32.  Where can I find a commissary?
The Environmental Health Division will provide, upon request, a list of approved commissary facilities in Orange County.

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33.  What are the requirements for building a cart or mobile food preparation unit?
If the vehicle is a custom design never seen by the Environmental Health Division, a plan submittal may be required. A construction guide is available which lists the structural requirements for carts and mobile food preparation units.
 
34.  What are the requirements to manufacture food from my home?
You cannot legally manufacture food from a private residence. You must obtain a health permit.

35.  How can I get a permit to manufacture food?
You must provide a plan submittal (similar to the type of plan submittal process for construction of a restaurant). Construction guidelines are available upon request.

36.  Is there any less expensive way to manufacture food?
You may use a co-packer (a manufacturer who will produce a product according to your specifications). We can refer you to manufacturers.

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37.  How do I register a complaint about a public swimming pool or spa?
The Environmental Health Division investigates complaints regarding public pool safety and sanitation in Orange County. Please call (714) 433-6000 to report an unsafe or unsanitary swimming pool or spa. Be ready to provide the name and address of the public pool or spa you want investigated and explain the conditions you are reporting.

If you observe a problem with a swimming pool or spa in a single-family home, you may contact the city code enforcement department for assistance.

38.  What is the health risk when there is a fecal accident in a swimming pool?
Feces may contain large numbers of disease causing microorganisms. If feces is accidentally released in a swimming pool or spa, swimmers can be exposed to viruses or other disease causing agents. Outbreaks of E.coli 0157:H7 and Cryptosporidium have been associated with swimming pool fecal accidents.

For detailed information on treating a pool after a fecal accident, call the Environmental Health Division at (714) 433-6000 to request a copy of an advisory notice on fecal accidents.

39.  Isn't it against the law for children to be unattended in a public pool/spa area?
No, it isn't against the law for children to be unattended in a public pool/spa. The laws regulating public swimming pools and spas contain specific requirements for warning signs in the pool enclosure. Many people are familiar with the warning signs that state, "Warning-No Lifeguard on Duty, Children Under the Age of 14 Should Not Use Pool Without an Adult in Attendance." Although the law requires this warning sign at all public swimming pools and spas without lifeguards, the law does not prohibit unattended children in the pool/spa area.

40.  Why did the Health Department make my homeowners association turn down the temperature of the spa? It was fine the way it was!
The maximum allowable water temperature for a public spa (such as your condominium complex's) is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Drownings have occurred in the past that were directly attributed to people fainting in spa water that was above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Older and young people are particularly sensitive to these higher temperature ranges.

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41.  What can the Health Department do about mold in my home?
The Environmental Health Division does not have inspectors or equipment to test for mold. If you are interested in information on mold, please call (714) 433-6000 for an informational packet. The Environmental Health Division will take tenant complaints regarding leaks, dampness, faulty weather proofing, and deterioration of the structure.

42.  Can the Health Department do anything about asbestos in my house?
The Environmental Health Division does not have inspectors or equipment to test for asbestos. If you are interested in information on asbestos, please call (714) 433-6000 for an informational packet.

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43.  How do I dispose of used needles that I generate at home?
Once the needles are packaged in a rigid puncture- and leak-resistant container, you may either bring them to an approved home-generated sharps consolidation point or dispose of them into the regular trash.

To dispose of the waste at a consolidation point, call the Environmental Health Division at (714) 433-6000 and ask to speak to the medical waste inspector in your city.

To dispose of the used needles in the regular trash, follow the instructions provided by the County of Orange Integrated Waste Management Department on the following link:

Disposal Procedures for Household Generated “Sharps” Waste [PDF - Adobe Acrobat required to view document]