Food Protection Program - Food Service License Information
Foodservice facilities, such as restaurants, mobile food units, and caterers serve a large and varied part of the population. Poor food handling practices in one facility may therefore have a large impact on the population as a whole. Food borne illness is suspected of accounting for more than 50% of the "one day flu like symptoms" that cause lost days on the job.
The Environmental Health Specialist's main job is to minimize or eliminate potentially harmful situations in public environments and to contain and stop the spread of diseases if and when they appear. Through education and routine inspections, we hope to make Deschutes County a safe and healthy environment for residents and guests to enjoy.
Requirements for licenses are based on what food or beverages are being sold, where they are sold and the type of facility that is preparing and profiting from the sales. Even foods that are given away or donated can require licensure.
If you are planning on serving prepared foods directly to the end consumer for onsite consumption it's likely you'll need a license from Deschutes County. This includes: restaurants, caterers, coffee stands, tap houses, beverage only establishments, mobile food units and temporary event food service.
If you are planning a food business that mainly wholesales foods, is a retail location like a grocery or convenience store or sells agricultural commodities you'll likely need to contact the Oregon Department of Agriculture for a license. You can contact the Oregon Department of Agriculture at: fsd-clerical@oda.state.or.us 503-986-4720 OR visit https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/foodsafety/Pages/Default.aspx
Reporting Illness from a Food Facility or another Public Health Concern
Deschutes County Health Services will review the report, follow-up, and conduct an investigation as deemed appropriate. All reports are reviewed by qualified Public Health Staff.
»Report a Public Health Concern Here«
Types of licenses
Resources for Food Establishments
Oregon Food and Sanitation Rules - This rule establishes definitions, sets standards for management and personnel, food protection, and equipment and facilities, water supply, sewage disposal, provides for food establishment plan review, and employee restriction to safeguard public health and provide consumers food that is safe, unadulterated, and honestly presented.
Oregon Health Authority Food Safety Fact Sheets - Provides guidance and clarification of Oregon Food Sanitation Rules and other commonly cited processes.
FDA Oral Learner Project - Provides educational materials for food employees
