Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Food Safety & Consumer Protection
Foods

George Hanssen, Division Administrator

MISSION STATEMENT:
To implement and enforce the sanitation and quality standards relative to the food industry through service, education, and regulation.

The purpose of the Nebraska Pure Food Act and the Nebraska Food Code is to safeguard the public health and provide to consumers, food that is safe, unadulterated, and honestly prepared. In 2007, the Nebraska Legislature passed legislation, effective July 1, 2007, to adopt the 2005 Food Code Recommendations of the United States Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration. The Food Code is based on scientifically developed factors focusing on public health and the prevention of foodborne illness.

Through time, the Department has developed a joint state and local inspection program. NDA has entered into contracts with three city/county health departments to perform food inspections in their representative jurisdictions. The Department's 13 environmental health specialists cover the remainder of the state.

Inspection Frequency
The Food Code requires that all food establishments be inspected at least once every six months, or according to a risk-based inspection process. Under the risk-based inspection process, restaurants that prepare-cool-reheat potentially hazardous foods are inspected more frequently than convenience stores that sell only prepackaged food items. Establishments that handle only pre-packaged foods may be inspected at less frequency.

Types of Inspections
In addition to routine inspections, four additional inspections may occur at food establishments.

All new food establishments must submit copies of the building plans for review and approval. During a pre-inspection, the building plans and actual facility are checked for kitchen design, handwashing and warewashing facilities, restrooms, plumbing, and other physical aspects of the establishment.
All complaints received by NDA are investigated during a "complaint" inspection.
If violations are found during a routine or complaint inspection that require additional correction, a follow-up inspection is conducted. If "critical violations" are found during any inspection, the sanitarian will issue a compliance date that may range from immediately to a day or more.
If a foodborne illness is actually confirmed through medical or laboratory testing, the appropriate inspection staff will conduct a specific "foodborne illness investigation."

Types of Violations
During an inspection, sanitarians verify that the food establishment is in compliance with applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the type of licensed establishment. The inspection report will indicate whether the establishment is "in compliance (IN)" or "out of compliance (OUT)" with the requirement. Additional comments on the inspection report will indicate whether the specific requirements were "not observed (NO)" by the inspector or "not applicable (NA)" to the licensed food establishment.

Enter the Laws/Regulations site below to view the Nebraska Pure Food Act, the Food Code, and the Food Processing Plant requirements

Application / Area Inspectors

Resources