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The inspection of food facilities is a crucial public service designed to prevent foodborne illnesses among retail food consumers. To enhance the existing food inspection process in San Bernardino County, California, a risk-based food inspection program and assessment instrument has been developed and proposed. A literature review and interviews with health professionals were conducted to establish a baseline understanding of various inspection procedures currently being employed throughout the nation. San Bernardino subsequently developed an assessment instrument and attendant inspection schedules that reflect best practices. The proposed inspection model categorizes food facilities as high, moderate, or low risk according to food properties, service population characteristics, facility history, and predefined operational risks. The San Bernardino model supports health department decision making with respect to inspection resource allocation and also makes possible sliding permit fees that reflect the relative risk associated with each facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the Building Capacity initiative established by the National Environmental Health Association and government software company, Accela. It notes an environment health perspective in the aftermath of the 2015 Butte Fire in California. It cites activities that demonstrate building capacity in light of the Butte Fire event including securing mutual aid through environmental health networks, and the collection of digital records about the event.