Q: My inspector told me to close my exterior door. She stated it was a violation. Why does the exterior door of my restaurant need to be self-closing and tight-fitting?
A: During nice whether food establishments often want to open the doors and get fresh air. Pests like cock roaches and mice want to enter your establishment. An open door is a good way for them to enter easily. Self-closing and tight-fitting doors are a part of a good rodent and pest control program. A self-closing door helps ensure that the door closes after people enter or exit the establishment. A tight-fitting door should eliminate the space between the door frame and the door. This reduces the likelihood that pest can enter the establishment. Once pest enter an establishment it can be very difficult to get rid of them. It is much better to have measures in place to prevent pest entry. Keeping the doors closed and having tight-fitting doors are an important part of a good pest management program.
Q: How do I contact the Health Department?
A: For more information on restaurant inspections, restaurant licensing, or food safety in general, please contact Saint Louis County Department of Health at 314-615-8900 or food.doh@stlouisco.com |
