Published on September 05, 2024
In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, the Weld County Board of Commissioners read a proclamation honoring the exceptional contributions of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) Food Safety Program and its commitment to rigorous oversight of retail food establishments and the prevention of foodborne illnesses.
“This is a high performing team that's recognized both through the state of Colorado and nationally as well,” said Environmental Health director Dan Joseph. “This team is out conducting inspections every day. We deal with complaints; we deal with opening new facilities. They're great collaborators and they always try and find solutions.”
Weld County has 1,342 active retail food establishments, including restaurants, school kitchens, convenience stores, grocery stores, and mobile units, and the WCDPHE Food Safety Program conducts approximately 2,500 inspections annually of these retail food establishments and food booths at events, in helping to ensure food consumed in our county is safe and responsibly prepared. The department is also enrolled in the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Standards, which underscores its dedication to aligning with national best practices in food safety regulation.
Weld County Commissioner chair Kevin Ross thanked the assembled staff for their work and highlighted the importance of partnering with the business community. “It's important we work on that regulation side, but being business-friendly and helping food establishments find ways to stay open or correct what they may need to fix is an important directive. That's that partnership that we have.”
For more information about the WCDPHE and the Food Safety Program, please visit weld.gov/go/foodsafety.