Translate
Clean-up Safely to Prevent Illness
Unfortunately, people get sick while out in public, and it is possible your staff will have to clean up body fluids like vomit and diarrhea while at work. These can have germs that spread easily, especially if not cleaned up properly. It is important for businesses to know how to safely clean up vomit and diarrhea, and make sure staff are trained to keep the germs from making staff and customers sick.
These resources from King County can help you and your staff prepare:
Note: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is in the process of updating the Oregon Food Sanitation Rules, based on the 2022 FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Food Code. We anticipate the updated rules will be adopted in 2026 once the rule-making process is complete. OHA has sent out an announcement to all food businesses in the state about the planned rule update. See information on the rule update.
Fee Increase
The fees you pay ensure that we meet national and state inspection standards and allow us to provide efficient and effective services. To keep up with rising costs, an increase to our 2026 fees has been approved. We will continue to work hard to provide the best service while keeping fees low. Learn more about our fees.
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): Keep Them Out of the Drain
Fats, oils, and grease from cooking can build up in plumbing, leading to clogged pipes, expensive repairs, and even sewer overflows that impact the community and environment. Food service establishments are a key part of the solution.
Best practices include:
- Scrape food scraps into the trash before washing dishes
- Collect used cooking oil for recycling through a licensed hauler
- Use sink strainers to catch food particles
- Maintain grease interceptors regularly with a licensed grease hauler. Find a licensed Grease Removal Device Pumper.
Learn more about FOG best practices from Clackamas Water Environment Services.
Be a Safe Food Handler: The Public Counts on YOU!
Oregon Food Handler Cards are:
- Required for every food worker within 30 days of hire
- Valid for 3 years and can be used in all Oregon counties
You can get your Oregon Food Handlers Card online!
Keeping it Clean: Stay Compliant with this Quick Cleaning & Sanitizing Checklist
- Use the 3-compartment sink or approved dishwasher to wash dishes
- Don’t wash dishes in sinks meant for washing hands or preparing food
- Don’t skip any steps (washing with soap, rinsing and sanitizing) when cleaning equipment that doesn’t go in the dishwasher or sink
- Train staff on wash-rinse-sanitize-air dry steps
- Provide sanitizer test strips (chlorine or quaternary ammonia)
- Check for proper sanitizer levels in buckets, dishwashers & sinks
- Follow a regular cleaning schedule for all surfaces
Maricopa County has resources available in English, Spanish and Chinese.
Photo credit: Hamid Shibata Bennett
