Food Safety

Lorain County Food Inspection Reports  File a Complaint

Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) licenses and inspects over 1,600 restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks, vending machines, and anywhere else that sells you food. LCPH helps prevent diseases spread through food by making sure food is prepared and stored safely. 

Food safety training

Food Licensing and Plan Review 

Resources for your licensed food establishment

Power outages and food safety 

Food poisoning is the last thing anyone wants on top of a power outage. Keep these food safety tips in mind during and after a power outage. 

  • Food in the fridge stays safe up to 4 hours in the fridge. 
    • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. 
    • Bacteria grows quickly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
  • Food in a freezer that is half full will safely hold frozen foods for at least 24 hours and a full freezer will hold frozen foods for 48 hours. 
  • When in doubt, throw it out. Get detailed info at: Power Outage Guidance 
  • Keep track of how long the power has been out. An outage that lasts less than 2 hours has little cause for concern. 

Are you in need of food? Call 211 to find a food pantry and other options near you. 

When power comes back, be sure to: 

  • Throw out any perishable foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or leftovers that have been in temperatures above 40° F for over 2 hours. 
  • Throw away any frozen items that have fully thawed. (If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40° F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.)

If you have questions, call Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367. 

 

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