New Chicago Health Code in Effect: What Restaurants Need to Know

Effective July 1, 2018, the City of Chicago began enforcement of the 2013 FDA Food Code regulations. On the first inspection after July 1, 2018, violations of the new Code will be marked on inspection reports, but no citations will be issued.

Here are some highlights of the new changes:

• Formal written health policy and documentation that employees have been trained on the policy. Click here for a downloadable template that meets the new Code. requirements.  
• Written cleaning procedures for vomit and diarrhea. Click here for cleaning procedures that meet the new Code. 
• Consumer advisory statement and identification of items on menu that are derived from animals, and can be ordered raw or undercooked. Print warning language on your menu with an asterisk, and also place an asterisk next to each required menu item.
  • i.e. “Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk for foodborne illness”
• All potentially hazardous food prepared on-site and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date by which the food will be sold, consumed, or discarded. This must be within 7 days of the date the food was prepared. 

Click here for a one pager on the major changes to Chicago's Food Code. Click here for additional guidance from the City of Chicago Department of Public Health on the new Code.  

Restaurant operators outside the City of Chicago can check their local health department websites for similar food code FAQs, and downloadable templates to comply with new regulations.  

For more information, contact Mary Wilkie, IRA Director of Education.