ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
All environmental public health services are performed by the GCHD environmental public health specialist. These services include food establishment inspections, daycare sanitation inspections, private drinking water system testing and consultation, on-site sewage permits and consultations and state-licensed lodging inspections.
Food Establishment Safety Inspections
The GCHD contracts with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to inspect food establishments and enforce the current Missouri Food Code.
Currently, GCHD conducts inspections at a frequency based on risk. Risk is calculated by giving values to risk factors such as the type of population served, the number of meals served per day, the types of food served and the manner and proportions in which the food is prepared and served. Higher risk values are also given to establishments with a history of critical violations and involvement in a food-borne illness. A higher risk value will increase the frequency of inspections.
An inspection of an establishment is simply an evaluation of the establishment at that particular time on that particular day. Generally speaking, the inspection reflects on the management’s overall ability to maintain safe food handling practices. The purpose of the inspection is to safeguard the public health by providing consumers with safe, unadulterated and honestly presented food. For more information on the current Missouri Food Code, go to http://www.dhss.mo.gov/FoodCode.
Temporary Food Events
Gasconade County is known far and wide for our highly successful fair, festivals, church picnics, farmers markets, fund-raisers and other community events. Whether indoor or outdoor, all of these events are considered temporary food events. Click here to learn more about food safety at Gasconade County temporary food events.
To file a complaint about a Gasconade County food establishment, complete this form and submit to the Gasconade County Health Department.
Food Recalls Information Service
Recalls are actions taken by a company to remove a product from the market. The recall may be instigated by the company or by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If the product is meat or poultry products, the USDA will be the lead agency. The purpose of the recall is to remove an adulterated or misbranded product from consumer access.
The Gasconade County Health Department makes every effort to inform all of the businesses in Gasconade County that may have the recalled product. Sometimes that determination is difficult to make since the recall information is often incomplete.
Businesses are expected to remove the recalled product from consumer access immediately. To find out more about recalls, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
Food Salvage
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) contracts with the GCHD to respond to emergency incidents involving food such as truck wrecks, train derailments, fires, floods, etc. An inspection and assessment of the food is conducted as soon as possible after the incident.
The purpose of the program is to prevent damaged human food from re-entering commerce. The Environmental Public Health Specialist and staff are on call 24 hours a day, seven days per week. When an incident occurs, the Missouri Highway Patrol or local law enforcement will contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Situation Room who in turn contacts the GCHD. The Environmental Public Health Specialist will respond as needed.
If food products have been compromised in any way (flood, weather, fire, etc.) the Environmental Public Health Specialist may embargo and/or retain foods until they are properly disposed of or salvaged.
Daycare Safety Inspection Service
All licensed day cares are inspected under the state of Missouri's Bureau of Childcare guidelines. The inspections include sanitation, health and safety. To learn more, click here.
Lodging Inspection Service
Lodging establishments such as motels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts that have more than four sleeping rooms are inspected by the GCHD on a regular basis under Missouri guidelines for health safety and sanitation. All such lodging establishments must be licensed by MDHSS. For complaints relating to lodging establishments contact the GCHD office at (573) 486-3129 ext. 106 or send an e-mail to the Environmental Public Health Specialist.
To file a complaint about a Gasconade County lodging facility, complete this form and submit to Gasconade County Health Department.
Water Testing Service
Water sampling kits for testing private wells are available. For chemical tests of private water, or for information regarding safety of private water please contact the Hermann office at (573) 486-3129. Learn more by clicking here.
On-site Sewage Service
Find out more about Gasconade County on-site sewage installations, permits, inspections, soil evaluations, registered installers and much more by clicking here.
Lead Risk Assessment Service
Lead risk assessments for the home and environment are provided by the GCHD when a child has an elevated blood level result from lead testing. Lead test swabs for checking lead levels in paint may be available at your local hardware store.
Mold Information Service
Information about mold in the home, commercial properties or schools can be obtained from the GCHD office or the Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov.
Vector Control
For more information on vector control issues, click here.
Radon Testing Service
The GCHD provides radon tests in homes, commercial properties and schools. Radon is a gaseous radioactive element that occurs from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil and rocks. To learn more, click here.
Landlord/Tenant law
The Missouri Attorney Generals office offers an on-line publication about landlord and tenant rights. To learn more, click here.
The Missouri Recycling Association supports waste reduction and recycling efforts in Missouri by providing information, educational opportunities and technical support in partnership with state, national and regional organizations. For more information on recycling, visit www.mora.org.