What is the Food Protection Program?

The purpose of the program is to prevent food-borne disease outbreaks by performing complaint investigations and annual inspections of food and lodging facilities.

Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

Did you know a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food?  Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Q: Some of the food in my freezer started to thaw or had thawed when the power came back on.  Is the food safe?  How long will the food in the refrigerator be safe with the power off?

1. Never taste food to determine its safety!  You will have to evaluate each item separately.  If the appliance thermometer stored in the freezer reads 40 degrees or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.  If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine safety.  Remember you can't rely on appearance or color.  If the food contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees or below, it is safe to refreeze.  Refrigerated foods should be safe as long as power is out no more than 4 hours.  Keep the door closed as much as possible.  Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40 degrees for 2 hours.

Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save and When to Throw Out.
Frozen Food and Power Outages: When To Save and When To Throw Out.

Wisconsin Act 101 "Pickle Bill" Information

This new law allows you to sell home-canned foods without a license under certain circumstances.  For more information, visit Selling Home-Canned Foods: Questions and Answers.

Food Program Newsletters

Fall 2011
Summer 2011
Spring 2011
Winter 2010
Fall 2010
Summer 2010
Spring 2010
Winter 2009
Fall 2009
Spring 2009

Food Safety Advisory Team

Made up of individuals from a variety of local businesses and coalitions, the Food Safety Advisory Team meets quarterly to discuss relevant issues related to the Rock County Health Department's Food Program.  Listed below are the current members on the Food Safety Advisory Team.