ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The city’s Environmental Health Department is looking for feedback on a proposed ordinance to update food service and retail rules. Albuquerque City Council will vote on the proposal on May 6.
“We want to make sure that people who feel like this impacts them have an opportunity to weigh in on the ordinance before it’s finalized,” Environmental Health Department Deputy Director Mark DiMenna said in a press release. “Working with food service providers helps us to ensure the highest level of food safety protection for our community.”
The updated rules include:
Adopting the 2022 Food and Drug Association Food Code, which includes updates to charitable donations, general food safety including the requirement to obtain a Food Handlers Card, pet dog allowance, and allergen labeling requirement
Unifies Food Ordinance suite
Update permit and fee structure
Updates to the grading of food establishments
Enforcement updates including civil penalties, criminal penalties, and compliance plans
The full draft ordinance can be found at this link. Public comments on the proposed rules can be submitted online at this link. If approved by city council, the rules would take effect in late summer.
