Food Establishment Enforcement Actions
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department may impose the following types of enforcement actions:
Suspension of permit to operate for imminent health hazard
The permit is suspended and a directive is given to cease using unsafe portions of the facility or the entire facility to ensure public health. An administrative conference is not required to suspend a permit, but the opportunity must be given for a conference after the suspension is in effect. Grounds for closure due to imminent public health risks may include but are not limited to:
- Lack of running water under pressure
- No hot water
- Sewage backups or overflows
- Flood
- No utilities
- Fire
- Foodborne illness outbreak
- Inadequate refrigeration
Administrative Conference
An order to appear at the Health Department for alleged violations of failure to comply with applicable laws. An administrative conference may result in a food service establishment being placed on probation.
Revocation of permit to operate.
Food service establishment is closed due to accumulation of repeat, continuing and flagrant violations of the regulations that could lead to food-borne illness. Before the revocation, an opportunity for an administrative conference must be given to the restaurant operator.
