Bakersfield Municipal Code Ch. 8.04 Transfer of Health Functions

Sections: 8.04.010 City functions terminated. 8.04.020 Transferral to county. 8.04.030 Food establishment grading.

The department of public health and sanitation and the office of health officer are abolished. (Ord. 4839 § 1, 2016; prior code § 8.04.010)

All functions, powers and duties heretofore performed by said department of public health and sanitation and the health officer of the city shall be exercised by the county through its department of health. (Ord. 4839 § 1, 2016; prior code § 8.04.020)

A. Pursuant to Section 8.04.020, the Kern County environmental health services department performs all functions, powers and duties relating to the health inspection of city food establishments.

B. Chapter 8.58 of the Kern County Code requires that all Kern County food establishments be individually assessed and ranked according to risk factors developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to determine compliance of the full operation, inspections are unannounced and occur at various times. At the conclusion of each inspection, a letter grade is conspicuously posted for public viewing at the establishment, reflecting that establishment’s degree of compliance with state law. If the inspection reveals the presence of critical health and sanitary violations that pose an immediate risk to food safety, the establishment is immediately closed until the operator is able to demonstrate compliance.

C. Chapters 8.58 and 8.59 of the Kern County Code of Ordinances and all subsequent amendments or revisions thereto are adopted by reference and shall be applicable to the regulation of food establishment businesses in the city. (Ord. 4839 § 1, 2016; Ord. 4394 § 1, 2006)