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Bureau of Public Health Protection
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Bureau of Public Health Protection
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360 Yaphank Avenue, Suite 2A, Yaphank, New York 11980
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(631) 852-5998
Fax (631) 852-5871
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Program Overview
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is required to have programs that protect the public from adulterated food, unhealthy living conditions and health nuisances.The department is also responsible for enforcing the Suffolk County Sanitary Code and the Local Laws of Suffolk County.All of the above are the responsibility of Public Health Protection which is comprised of five units: Food Control, General Sanitation, Radiation Control, Temporary Residences, and Training & Plan Review.
The mission of the Food Control Program is to provide the safest possible food service at establishments under our jurisdiction. The prevention of food-borne illness is our primary goal.
The Bureau of Public Health Protection covers a wide range of services. Click on a link to find frequently asked questions about a specific service.
Food Control
Do I need a permit to operate my business?
If you plan on opening a food service establishment, i.e., one that serves ready to eat foods, yes you need a permit from this Department before you open for business. Start submitting your paperwork as early as possible to prevent any avoidable delays in opening your establishment. A permit is also required if you serve food in Suffolk County but are permitted by a health department located outside Suffolk.
If you plan on opening a market or wholesale food business you should contact the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at (718) 722-2876 or 2877.
Is it illegal to operate a food establishment without a valid permit issued by the Department?
Yes. The Department will take measures as permitted under the law to protect the citizens of Suffolk County from unregulated food establishments.
How do I obtain a permit or obtain information for operating a food establishment, temporary event, food vending vehicle?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5999.
How do I get information on what is required to open my establishment?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5999.
How long does it take to obtain a food permit?
If the establishment is pre-existing and no changes are made to the establishment, the process is not long. A permit application must be submitted and you must request and obtain a satisfactory pre-operational inspection before opening.
If the establishment is new or pre-existing and you contemplate making any changes to the establishment, applications and plans must be submitted to the Department for review and approval before the changes are made. This may take several weeks depending completeness and accuracy of your application and plans and whether the changes meet the requirements of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. Click here to view Article 13, Suffolk County Sanitary Code.
Do I need a permit to operate at a temporary event such as a feast, fair, festival or carnival?
Yes. Both organizers and individual vendors must obtain permits.
How do I obtain information on the requirements to operate at a temporary event?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5999.
What is a HACCP inspection?
First, HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. This type of inspection focuses on the steps in food preparation that are most likely to cause a food borne illness if not properly handled. It is a nationally recognized inspection and is practiced by regulators and the food industry alike.
Do I need a permit to sell or provide food at a church or fraternal function?
A permit is necessary if a charitable organization wishes to sell any food items at a fair or carnival from a booth or trailer. Non-profit organizations are exempt from permit fees only
Who do I call if I think I became ill from food poisoning?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5999.
How do I make a complaint about a Food Service Establishment?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5999.
Training and Plan Review
What does the Training and Plan Review Unit do?
The Training Section offers an online Food Manager’s Course, and a classroom-based Food Manager's Course, both of which provide extensive training in food handling and safety. The Plan Review Section is responsible for reviewing and approving applications and plans for food service establishments that are being newly constructed or remodeled.
Who has to have a Food Manager's Certificate?
All owner/operators and all shift managers must have a valid Food Manager's Certificate. There must be a responsible person with a valid Food Manager's Certificate in the establishment at all hours of operation and food preparation.
How do I take the Food Manager’s Course?
The Online Food Manager’s Course is a self-paced class that provides the training necessary to test for a Suffolk County Food Manager’s certificate. Click here for further information and to register for the Online Food Manager’s Course. Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5997 to register for the classroom Course. Click here to view the classroom Food Manager's Course Schedule .
Is there a Food Manager's Course in Spanish?
Yes, the Department schedules one classroom course in Spanish each month. The Online Food Manager’s Course is currently available in English only.
How much does the course cost?
There is no fee for the course, however only those persons who own or work at a food establishment under permit to this Department may take the course. Individuals who do not own or work in permitted food service establishments, but who handle food in children’s camps, child care facilities, or fairs, feasts and festivals, may qualify to take the Food Manager’s Course. Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5997.
How long is the course?
The classroom course is approximately 9 hours (three hours in the morning or afternoon on three consecutive days). At a minimum, the online course has been designed to approximate the length of the classroom course, but you may take up to 45 days to complete the course, at your convenience.
How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for a period of three years. At the end of three years you must take another course to become re-certified. Recertification can be done by taking the online course, the 3 day classroom course, the 2 day classroom course or the home study class. The home study class includes a short review and an exam at our office in Yaphank. Study materials are mailed to you in advance of the class. The home study and 2 day classes can only be taken within 90 days of the expiration date of your current Suffolk County Food Manager’s Certificate.
Are any other courses recognized by Suffolk County?
If you complete one of the following approved courses you are eligible to receive a Suffolk County Food Manager’s Certificate through the home study class: Nassau County, NYC, ServSafe, ETS, NY State Dept. Of Education, Prometric Food Safety, Nutritional Management Services, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, American Food Safety Institute.
Where is the course given?
The classroom course and the written test for the Online Course are given in Room 134W at the address above.
How do I contact the Plan Review Section?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5873.
Do I need to submit plans for a new establishment?
Yes. The plans and application must be submitted, reviewed by the Department for compliance with the provisions of Article 13 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code and for providing an acceptable waste disposal system before construction is started.
Do I need to submit plans for an existing food establishment?
That will depend on several factors. If the establishment was originally under permit to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, yes you do.
If the establishment was under permit to Suffolk County and you make any changes to equipment or physical layout of equipment and facilities, yes you do.
If you just plan to open the establishment as it was approved by this Department, and the establishment has not been out of business for more than 2 years, no you do not. But, you still need to obtain a permit from this Department before you open.
How do I obtain an application for plan submission and approval?
Click here to download a plan review application package, or contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5873.
How long does it take to obtain approval of my submitted plans?
If the establishment is new or pre-existing and you contemplate making any changes to the establishment, applications and plans must be submitted to the Department for review and approval before the changes are made. This may take several weeks depending on the completeness and accuracy of the application and plans and whether the changes meet the requirements of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. Click here to view Article 13, Suffolk County Sanitary Code.
Can I open my establishment when my plans are approved?
No. You will not receive a permit to operate until you finish construction/remodeling, request and obtain a satisfactory pre-operational inspection conducted by a representative of the Food Control Unit. At that time you will be given permission to operate your business.
What happens if I open without a permit being issued by the Department?
You will be charged with a violation. If you do not or cannot obtain a permit you will be ordered to close until you do obtain a permit to operate.
Body Art Establishments and Body Artist Certification
Under what authority are body art establishments and body artists regulated?
Article 14 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code provides such authority. Click here to view Article 14, Suffolk County Sanitary Code
How do I contact the Department if I want to have my own Body Art Establishment?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5873. Applications and a Guide for the Submission of Plans are available.
How do I contact the Department if I want to obtain a Body Artist Certificate ?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5873. You must either be sponsored by an establishment currently under permit to the Department or one that is actively pursuing such a permit via application and/or plan review. Click here to view the Body Artist certification course Schedule.
General Sanitation
What type of problems does the General Sanitation Unit investigate?
The Unit responds to general nuisance complaints involving garbage storage, sewage overflow, animal manure, stagnant swimming pools, rat infestation, inadequate heat and the discontinuance of utilities. The Unit also investigates alleged animal bites for the purpose of rabies prevention.
How do I register a complaint?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5900.
Do I have to give my name if I make a complaint?
The Department is not required to take anonymous complaints. Your personal information, i.e. name, address and telephone number are kept confidential under provisions of the Freedom of the Information Law.
Petting Zoo
What is a Petting Zoo?
A petting zoo is a facility, operation or activity where living animals are displayed to the public in a manner in which direct contact by the public with animals is promoted or encouraged, and not merely incidental or casual. Petting zoos regulated by the Department may include, but are not limited to: animal rides, carnival animal exhibits, circuses, fairs, performing animal exhibitions, pet shops, petting zoos, photo opportunities, shows and zoos.
Are there any kinds of facilities where direct contact with animals may be "promoted or encouraged", but that are not "Petting Zoos"?
The requirements of Article 17 do not apply to: equestrian facilities, such as equine performances, rides, demonstrations, or parades; animal hospitals; animal shelters; humane societies; boarding or breeding kennels/catteries; dog and cat shows; or, any establishment with the purpose of training, leasing, or selling guard or service animals. The requirements of Article 17 do not apply to wildlife rehabilitators licensed pursuant to New York State Environmental Conservation Law at http://www.dec.ny.gov/.
Do pet shops have to be in compliance with Article 17?
Under routine circumstances, a pet shop is not required to obtain permit to operate a petting zoo, but most comply with contagious disease restricitions and signage requirements. Pet shops are also subject to regulation by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/.
Why are Petting Zoos regulated?
The petting zoo regulations were promulgated to ensure that the public understand that contact with animals can be a route of infection for certain zoonotic diseases that can cause serious illness, and even death, in humans. These regulations were adopted with guidance from the regulated community and expand on public health protections found in the code, rules and regulations of other agencies or guidance of other organizations. These include: Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease and Injury Associated with Animals in Public Settings, Fair Season Regulations, Model State Program for the Management of Livestock in Rabies Enzootic Areas. Click here to view Article 17, Suffolk County Sanitary Code.
Is a permit required to operate a Petting Zoo?
Yes. Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5900.
If I get bitten or scratched by an animal at a Petting Zoo, what should I do?
At a petting zoo, any bite or nonbite exposure should immediately be reported to the petting zoo operator. Try to identify the individual animal as best as possible by noting its color, color pattern or identity tag if visible. A bite exposure is any penetration by mouth to the skin of humans or animals. A nonbite exposure is a scratch, abrasion, open wound, or contamination of mucous membranes with saliva or other potentially infectious material from a rabid animal. Depending on the animal and the circumstances, a scratch can be considered a potential rabies exposure.
The Department's primary concern is with bites from mammalian animal species that can carry the Rabies virus such as typical farm animals (sheep, cows, horses, etc.) or domestic animals (dog, cats, ferrets, etc.). Bites from non-mammalian animals, such as chickens, parrots, reptiles etc., are not Rabies virus carriers. Wounds sustained from non-mammalian animals should be, at least, cleaned and disinfected as soon as practical after the incident.
Any mammalian bite, regardless of where it occured, should be reported to the Department of Health Services at (631) 852-5900. The Department will investigate the bite circumstances and assess the potential rabies transmission risk. As appropriate, the Department will require confinement or testing of the animal.
What is a zoonotic disease?
A zoonotic disease or infection is one transmitted between vertebrate animals and man. The focus of Article 17 is the protection of public health by minimizing the potential for zoonotic infections caused by bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the rabies virus as described above.
Why the emphasis on hand washing?
The bacterial diseases of concern are most importantly, though not exclusively, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They are characterized by vomiting, and/or diarrhea, which can be severe and even fatal in the young, the elderly or the immunocompromised. In a petting zoo setting, these diseases are transmitted primarily by hand to mouth contact, which is why there is so much emphasis in the code relating to washing hands after contact with the animals.
After touching an animal, the hands should be washed with soap and water before eating, drinking, smoking, or in any other way putting the hand to the mouth. Children's toys or pacifiers should not be allowed to come in contact with an animal and should be washed thoroughly before allowing the child to put in their mouth after they have been through an exhibit.
How do I make a complaint about a petting zoo?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5900.
Temporary Residences
What does the Temporary Residence Unit do?
The Unit regulates temporary residences such as hotels and motels, cabin colonies, children's overnight, day and travel camps, campgrounds, migrant farmworker housing and mobile home parks. In addition to routine inspection, operators of these facilities are required to obtain operating permits from this office. The permit to operate must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises. Also, plans for the construction of new facilities or alterations of existing facilities shall be submitted to the Unit for review and approval prior to the commencement of such work.
What is inspected at hotels, motels and cottage colonies?
Hotels, motels and cabin colonies are inspected for compliance under the provisions of State Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-1 Temporary Residences. Temporary Residences are facilities maintained primarily for overnight occupancy by 11 or more people but are not intended to be occupied by the same persons in excess of 180 consecutive days. Hotels, motels and cabin colonies must meet not only sanitary requirements, but also must adhere to strict fire safety provisions. The Unit shares this responsibility with local building and fire code officials. A swimming pool, spa pool or bathing beach operated as a part of a temporary residence shall be included under the permit and shall be maintained and operated so as to comply with the provisions of State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –1 Swimming Pools and State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –2 Bathing Beaches.
State Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-1 Temporary Residences
State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –1 Swimming Pools
State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –2 Bathing Beaches
Other Links:
Suffolk County Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Site
New York State, Department of State, Division of Code Enforcement and Administration
New York State, Department of State, Office of Fire Prevention and Control
Hotel Fire Safety
Bed Bugs
What do you inspect at campgrounds?
Campgrounds are inspected for compliance under the provisions of State Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-3 Campgrounds. Campgrounds are facilities with more than five camping sites and are occupied for more than 60 hours in any calendar year. Campgrounds regulations cover drinking water, sanitation systems, general sanitation and fire safety. A swimming pool or bathing beach operated as a part of a campground shall be included under the permit and shall be maintained and operated so as to comply with the provisions of State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –1 Swimming Pools and State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –2 Bathing Beaches.
State Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-3 Campgrounds
State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –1 Swimming Pools
State Sanitary Code, Part 6 –2 Bathing Beaches
Other Links:
Suffolk County Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Site
Suffolk County Parks Web Site
What do you inspect at migrant farmworker housing?
Migrant farmworker housing are inspected for compliance with the provisions of State Sanitary Code, Part 15 Migrant Farmworker Housing. Frequent inspections focus on the housing condition, which includes adequacy of living space, fire protection, water supplies, sewage disposal systems and food preparation.
Part 15 - Migrant Farmworker Housing
Other Links:
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration Wage and Hour Division
What do you regulate at mobile home parks?
We enforce the rules and laws governing mobile home parks set forth in the New York State Sanitary Code Part 17 - Mobile Home Parks. A mobile home park is any tract of land upon which five or more mobile or manufactured homes are located. In addition to a permit requirement, the parks are subject to annual inspection and complaint response. For the most part, water supply, general sanitation and sewage issues are considered, as are several fire safety concerns.
New York State Sanitary Code Part 17- Mobile Home Parks
Other Links:
New York State, Department of State, Division of Code Enforcement and Administration
How do I reach the Temporary Residence Unit?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5900.
How do I register a complaint with the Temporary Residence Unit?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5900.
Children's Camps
What is inspected at children's camps?
Each overnight, day and travel children's camp is inspected to make sure that they are in compliance with the provisions of State Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-2 Children’s Camps and Laws of Suffolk County Chapter 260 Defibrillators Article II Use in Camps. Children's camps must be inspected twice yearly by this Unit with at least one inspection made during the time the camp is in operation. Children's camp regulations cover staff credentials and supervision, health, safety, swimming, overnight and day trips, sports and activities, fire safety, facilities design & location, staff training, and food safety. Pursuant to Suffolk County Resolution 589-2005, the most recent children's camp inspection report is posted on this site.
Children's Camp Inspection Information
Children's Camp Safety Plan
The Children's Camp Safety Plan template forms are provided in an interactive PDF format for use by children’s camp operators when new safety plans are required or when existing plans are in need of substantial revision.
The Children’s Camp Safety Plan Template contains information required to be submitted by all camps as part of a safety plan, and activity-specific templates are provided as separate appendixes to enable camp operators to complete and submit plans for the activities relevant to their camp. The templates contain informational “side bars” that specify sanitary code requirements and highlight guidance to assist in establishing and maintaining a safe environment for children.
The forms include only the information required to obtain approval; additional information may be added where necessary. Once all relevant Children’s Camp Safety Plan forms have been reviewed and approved by the Department, the plan will serve as the camp’s written safety plan.
To fully utilize the features of the fillable PDF forms, Adobe Acrobat Reader, ver. 8 or higher is required. The software can be downloaded free of charge at www.adobe.com/products/reader.
Completed safety plans should be printed and mailed as double sided copies to:
Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services
360 Yaphank Avenue – Suite 2A
Yaphank, New York 11980
Attn: Children’s Camp Program
Children's Camps Safety Plan Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix E General Activity Worksheet Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix F Sports Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Camp Appendix G Swimming Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix H Camp Trip Swimming Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix I Boating Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix J Archery Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix K Riflery Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix L Horseback Riding Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix M Rope or Challenge Courses Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix N Camp Trips Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Appendix O Spray Ground Facility Operation and Maintenance Adobe Acrobat 8+ required
Click here for Children's Camp Applications and Forms
Other Links:
New York State Department of Health Children’s Camp Fact Sheets
The National Playground Safety Institute
US Consumer Product Safety Commission
Division of Criminal Justice Services – Sex Offender Registry
Radiation Control
What does the Radiation Control Unit do?
The Unit is responsible for the protection of the public from unnecessary and unhealthful exposure to radiation by inspecting radiation sources, investigating incidents involving exposure to individuals, releases of radioactive materials, sampling of air and water and monitoring the transportation of radioactive materials throughout the County. The most common source of public exposure to radiation, after natural background radiation, is exposure to medical x-rays. Reducing patient exposure and operator exposure from medical and dental x-rays to the lowest amount that is "reasonably achievable" is the Units primary function
How do I contact this Unit for information and/or to register a complaint?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5997.
Where can I register my X-ray machine?
X-radiation producing equipment is registered with the New York State Department of Health. Contact them at:
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection
547 River Street, Room 530
Troy, New York 12180-2216
(518) 402-7570
Why does Suffolk County Radiation Control Unit say that my X-ray machine is due for inspection when my registration certificate is not expired?
Every X-ray machine must be registered with NYSDOH. The registration covers a two-year period. In addition to this the X-ray machine must be inspected at a frequency determined by the type of installation. Suffolk County issues a separate Certificate of Inspection, when the X-ray machine is found to be in compliance with Part 16 of the NYS Sanitary Code and the fee for inspection has been paid to the Suffolk Co Dept of Health Services. Consequently, the Certificate of Inspection expiration date does not coincide with the expiration date for the Registration.
What should I do when I replace an existing X-ray machine with a different one?
Contact the Department at the address above or call (631) 852-5997 within 10 days of the installation to schedule an inspection of the new equipment.
Where can I get information on power lines and their health effects?
Call the New York State Department of Health Center for Environmental Health at (518) 402-7500
Where can I get FAQ's for Mammography?
Visit the FDA site at: http://www.fda.gov/womens/getthefacts/pdfs/mammography.pdf
Who do I contact for billing inquiries?
For billing inquiries regarding X-ray equipment inspections, please call (631) 853-3151 or mail payments to: 225 Rabro Drive East, PO Box 6100, Hauppauge, New York 11788.
Enforcement
What does the Enforcement Unit do?
The Enforcement Unit is responsible for managing any litigation by the various Units of the Bureau of Environmental Protection. Legal proceedings take two forms - Formal Hearings and Stipulated Agreements. Penalties may be assessed if the existence of violations is substantiated during this adjudication process.
What is a Formal Hearing?
As the name implies the format for a formal hearing is more structured and regulated by the New York State Administrative Law. It is an administrative tool used to gain compliance with State and local Sanitary Codes enforced by the Department. Formal hearings are scheduled for those cases that require a written record of the proceedings and are presided over by a hearing officer designated by the Commissioner.
How does a Stipulation Hearing differ from a Formal Hearing?
In a Stipulated Agreement both parties agree to the resolution of Sanitary Code violations. The Commissioner issues an Order and the matter is resolved without an additional adversarial proceeding.
How much are the fines?
Violators of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code are subject to the imposition of a civil penalty not exceeding $1000 for each violation. Each day or part of the day the violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.
What happens after a formal or stipulation hearing is held?
Based on the testimony provided during the hearing process the hearing officer will make his/her recommendations to the Commissioner. The Commissioner then issues a Decision and Order. In all cases a follow-up inspection is conducted by a representative of the Department to check compliance to the order. Failure to comply may result in additional charges and/or an order to cease and desist.NEW |
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