Who is responsible for enforcing food safety regulations?

The responsibility for enforcing food safety regulations primarily lies with local health departments. These agencies are tasked with ensuring that food establishments within their jurisdiction comply with health codes and safety standards. They conduct inspections, provide guidance to food service businesses, investigate complaints, and can impose penalties for violations. Local health departments play a critical role in safeguarding public health by monitoring food safety practices and educating food service managers about regulations.

While state governments and federal agencies also have roles in developing and establishing food safety regulations, it is at the local level where direct enforcement and oversight occur. Food service managers are responsible for following these regulations within their establishments, but they do not enforce them at a regulatory level.