Food and Drug Branch (FDB)
FDB Home Page
Contact
Main Telephone:
(800) 495-3232
Email:
Address (Courier Delivery):
California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch
1500 Capitol Ave, MS 7602
Sacramento, CA 95814
Address (Non-Courier Delivery):
California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch P.O. Box 997435, MS 7602 Sacramento, CA 95899
Retail Food Program
Retail food safety is a primary concern for all Californians. Everyone buys groceries, eats at restaurants, and enjoys the diversity of cuisine and innovation that is an integral part of California culture.
The portion of the California Health and Safety Code known as the California Retail Food Code contains the structural, equipment, and operational requirements for all California retail food facilities. Provisions of the California Retail Food Code are primarily enforced by 62 local environmental health regulatory agencies. The California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch, plays a supporting role in the enforcement of the California Retail Food Code by providing technical expertise to evaluate processes and procedures and to answer technical and legal inquires for local agencies, industry and consumers.
Additional food safety information may be obtained on FDB’s Food Safety Program page.
FDB Retail Food Program is in the process of migrating to a new email address. Please submit all retail food questions and issues to FDBRetail@cdph.ca.gov.
News and Updates
Fact Sheets
Food Allergens: Know the Nine (PDF)
Cottage Food Operations and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations FAQs
Food Safety During a Power Outage - For Retailers (PDF)
Foodborne Pathogens and Illnesses
Guidelines
for the Safe Use of Reusable Grocery Bags (PDF)
Healthy By Default Children’s Meals Beverage Law - Senate Bill 1192
Latex Ban at Retail Food Facilities
Guidelines
A Guide to Segregating & Recycling Packinghouse Waste from Retail Stores (PDF, 1.6MB)
General Food Label Requirements (PDF, 1.9MB)
Illness Reporting Requirements for Food Workers and Persons-In-Charge (PDF)
Labeling Guide for Restaurants and Retail Establishments - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (PDF)
Resources
Bad Bug Book - Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms (PDF, 5.0MB)
California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health
CIFOR FBI Response Guidelines for Industry
CIFOR FBI Response Guidelines for Regulatory
FDB Processed Food Registration Program
FDB Seafood and Shellfish Safety Program
Local Environmental Health Contacts (PDF)
Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations
Retail Food Safety Training (PDF)
USDA Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) Food Safety Education