The Jefferson County Environmental Public Health Consortium serves as the licensing and regulating authority for almost 700 facilities. Inspections educate facility operators and employees on food safety and help to prevent foodborne outbreaks in Jefferson County and the City of Watertown. There are currently over 500 facilities serving food through Jefferson County and the City of Watertown. Inspectors complete various inspections throughout the license year:

Routine Inspection: All facilities receive a routine inspection once a year (July 1 through June 30).

Follow-Up/Re-inspection: If imminent health hazards or repeat violations are identified, health inspectors will provide direction to facility operators to correct violations. Verification of the corrected violations will result in a re-inspection. Re-inspections include a re-inspection fee (based on license level).

Pre-inspection: Inspectors complete pre-inspections for new facilities, facility changing owners, or facilities significantly remodeling. Pre-inspection fees apply to every new license issued by the department.