How to File a Complaint With the Health Department

The health department is responsible for ensuring that public health laws and regulations are followed.

If you have a complaint about a business that is not following health regulations, you can file a complaint with the health department.

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Introduction

Most people are familiar with the health department only when they need to get a food handlers permit or some other type of licensing. But the health department is also responsible for investigating complaints about restaurants, grocery stores, and other food service businesses.

If you have a complaint about a food business, you can file it with your local health department. They will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action if necessary.

Here’s what you need to know about how to file a complaint with the health department.

What You Will Need
-The name and address of the business you are filing the complaint against
-The date of your visit to the business
-Details about what happened during your visit that led to your complaint
-Your contact information so the health department can follow up with you if necessary

What is the Health Department?

The Health Department is a government agency that is responsible for ensuring that public health standards are met. They are also responsible for investigating complaints about health code violations.

If you have a complaint about a business that you believe is not meeting public health standards, you can file a complaint with the Health Department. Complaints can be made online or by calling the Health Department hotline.

What is the complaint process?

There are two types of complaints that the health department investigates: those that have the potential to make people sick and those that do not have the potential to make people sick. If your complaint has the potential to make people sick, it is classified as a “priority” complaint and will be investigated within 24 hours. If your complaint does not have the potential to make people sick, it is classified as a “routine” complaint and will be investigated within 10 days.

The health department investigates complaints about:

-restaurants
-grocery stores
-taverns
-bars
-caterers
-school cafeterias
-institutional kitchens (hospitals, nursing homes, day cares, prisons)
-mobile food vendors
-temporary food events (festivals, fairs)

How to file a complaint with the Health Department

If you have a complaint about a restaurant, you can file it with the health department. There are a few steps you need to take in order to do this:

1. Collect evidence. This can include things like photos, receipts, and witness statements.
2. Write down what happened. Include as many details as possible, such as the date, time, and location of the incident.
3. Contact the health department. You can do this by calling or going online to their website.
4. Follow up with the health department. Make sure to keep track of your complaint and follow up with the department to ensure that it is being investigated.

Who can file a complaint with the Health Department?

The Health Department investigates complaints about potential health code violations in food service establishments. Anyone can file a complaint, and the complaint can be filed anonymously.

What types of complaints can be filed with the Health Department?

There are many different types of complaints that can be filed with the Health Department. Some of the most common complaints involve foodborne illness, restaurant cleanliness, and unsanitary conditions. Other complaints that can be lodged with the Health Department include nuisances such as noise pollution, illegal dumping, and animal cruelty. If you have a complaint about a business or individual that is not complying with health codes, you can file a complaint with the Health Department.

What happens after a complaint is filed with the Health Department?

A health department complaint is filed when there is a possible violation of the Oklahoma Food Sanitation Law. Once a complaint is received, an inspector will be sent out to investigate the concern. If a violation is found, the inspector will issue a notice of violation. This notice will list the specific areas that are not in compliance and what needs to be done to correct them. The establishment will be given a certain amount of time to correct the problem. The inspector will return at the specified time to check for compliance. If the problem has not been corrected, the inspector may issue a notice of hearing which could result in fines and/or closure of the facility.

How long does the complaint process take?

The health department strives to investigate all complaints within 14 days. However, some complaints may take longer to investigate due to their nature or the number of facilities involved.

What are the benefits of filing a complaint with the Health Department?

Filing a complaint with the Health Department can have many benefits. It can help to improve the conditions of a food service establishment, protect the consumer from illness, and ensure that food handlers are properly trained.

What are the drawbacks of filing a complaint with the Health Department?

Before you file a complaint with the Health Department, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks. First, depending on the severity of the issue, it could take awhile for the Health Department to investigate. This means that if you have an immediate health concern, filing a complaint may not be the best option. Additionally, if the Health Department finds that your complaint is not valid, or that there is not enough evidence to support it, your complaint may be dismissed.