Food Facilities Closures
Closures or “permit suspensions” are performed in response to Imminent Health Hazards present in a food facility that pose a serious health hazard if not immediately corrected. Such Imminent Health Hazards include, but are not limited to:
- Vermin (cockroaches, rats, mice) in critical food areas
- Sewage overflow
- No operable restrooms
- No water available
- Lack of hot water for adequate dish and hand washing
- Power outages
- Unsanitary Conditions
- Fire or other disaster
The Ventura County, Environmental Health Division recognizes that closures can be owner-initiated, meaning the owner or operator of the business recognizes that the hazard exists and does the right thing in self-closing their business prior to an inspector’s arrival and ordering the facility closed. We encourage this practice because it eliminates the exposure to the consumer to the health hazard faster than waiting for an inspector to initiate or order the closure.
The main purpose for closures is to safeguard the health and safety of the public. A closure allows the facility to concentrate their efforts on eliminating the reason for the closure.
Whether it is an Inspector Initiated Closure or an Owner Initiated Closure, a representative of the Ventura County Environmental Health Division will always verify that the imminent health hazard has been completely and safely eliminated.
Occasionally, a food facility is being operated without the required permit(s) from the Environmental Health Division (EHD). Such facilities have not had their equipment, menu, or food handling operation reviewed by EHD to verify that they meet food safety requirements in state law and can operate legally. EHD closes these facilities until they have submitted plans and related documents for review and have met all the legal requirements to operate. CLICK HERE for a list of food facilities closed for operating without a valid permit.