Heather Buonomo, Program Coordinator, County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health

The warmer weather in San Diego County brings with it the beginning of the busy season for outdoor events and street fairs.  The County of San Diego’s Department of Environmental Health (DEH) Food and Housing Division (FHD) is the local agency responsible for implementing the California Retail Food Code (CRFC), a state law that ensures food is served safely to prevent foodborne illness. Anytime food is served to the public, event organizers and food vendors must obtain health permits from the Department of Environmental Health and follow the requirements of the CRFC for safe food service.

In 2018, DEH permitted over 800 temporary food events in San Diego County.  That averages out to over 15 events per week!  Examples of events include street fairs and festivals (i.e., San Diego Pride Festival, December Nights), musical and artistic presentations (i.e., Kaaboo), sports events (i.e., Holiday Bowl), ethnic celebrations (i.e., Lunar New Year Festival), and trade shows (i.e., Comic Con).

Any person or organization that gives away or sells food at a public, temporary event must have a Temporary Food Facility (TFF) Food Vendor Health Permit. This includes all food and beverages, as well as prepackaged items like chips or candy bars, soft drinks.  Additionally, each event organizer must apply for a TFF Organizer Health Permit.  Even non-profits, cities, and county organizations are subject to the CRFC and require a permit, but these organizations qualify for 2 fee-exempt permits annually.

Next time you attend one of San Diego’s fabulous temporary events, keep in mind everything that goes into making sure that your food is safe!  For more information about Temporary Event Permitting, click here.