The Food Safety Program is responsible for licensing and inspecting retail food businesses. These include grocery stores, restaurants, bars, delis, convenience stores, vending machines, food carts, and all food sold at fairs and festivals. The inspections are a service provided for the public to ensure the safety of Columbus' food supply.
Plan Review
To begin the process of receiving a license to operate a retail food facility, review our Starting a Food Business Guide. Also, you will need to complete and submit a Plan Review Application, along with facility plans and a review fee. We will assist you with the layout of the facility, the equipment you will need and the food preparation processes required to be able to serve a safe food product to your customers.
Workshops
Any individual who is employed in a food establishment and works with food is encouraged to learn about food safety. Our workshops are designed to promote proper food handling procedures to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Mobile Operations
Assists with the layout of the mobile food operation, the equipment needed and the food preparation processes required to be able to serve safe food products to the community.
Temporary Operations
Licenses and inspects all temporary food locations such as those at fairs and festivals and make sure that they comply with the Uniform Food Safety Code.
Vending
Responsible for the licensing and inspection of all food vending machine locations in Columbus City and Worthington.
Enforcement
If needed, enforcement measures are taken to ensure the safety of the food being sold. When critical violations are found during regular inspections or complaint investigations, enforcement actions may be necessary. Click here for an updated log of enforcement activities.
Foodborne Illness Reporting
Food service workers, managers and owners should consider all reports of possible foodborne illness legitimate and notify Columbus Public Health immediately. For more information, see our Foodborne Illness Reporting page.
Online Inspection Results of Licensed Businesses
Online posting of inspection reports is a service provided to inform of the health and safety status of licensed businesses in Columbus and Worthington. Inspection results appear approximately two weeks following the inspection.