Ceasing Operations and Reporting

An owner or permit holder must immediately discontinue operations and notify the health department if an imminent health hazard may exist because of an emergency such as a fire, flood, extended interruption of electrical or water service, sewage backup, misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, the onset of an apparent food-borne illness outbreak, gross unsanitary occurrence or condition, or other circumstance that may endanger public health.

If operations are discontinued because of an imminent health hazard, the establishment cannot reopen unless the owner has approval from the health department to resume operations.

At the time of an inspection, the establishment owner must correct a critical violation of the Food Code and implement corrective actions for a HACCP plan provision that is not in compliance with its critical limit.

Considering the nature of the potential hazard involved and the complexity of the corrective action needed, the health department may agree to or specify a longer time frame, not to exceed ten calendar days after the inspection, for the permit
holder to correct critical Food Code violations or HACCP plan deviations.