Catering Food Operations

YCEH regulates all catering operations. Catering operation means a food service that is conducted by a permanent food facility approved for food preparation where food is served, or limited food preparation is conducted, at a location other than its permitted location, in either of the following circumstances:

As part of a contracted offsite private food service event
When operating in conjunction with a host facility with direct food sales.

A Catering Operation May Be: An operation that utilizes a permitted kitchen, provides written agreement for use of that kitchen, and obtains a catering operation permit or a restaurant facility that already holds a health permit as a permanent food facility (an additional catering operation permit will be required if operating at a host facility).

A Catering Operation May Not: Participate at a community event or offer takeout or delivery from a food facility where the food provided to the consumer is for self-service.

Catering Guidelines

1. All food, prior to the function, shall be stored and prepared at the caterer’s permitted food establishment, or other approved food facility.

2. All utensils and equipment shall be washed and stored at the caterer’s permitted food establishment. Prior to use, all utensils shall be sanitized.

3. At all times that the caterer has control over the food, including periods of storage, preparation, transportation and service, all food shall be adequately protected so as to be maintained pure and free of contamination, adulteration, and spoilage.

4. Catering vehicles shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition.

5. Utensils and equipment shall be protected from contamination.

6. All potentially hazardous food shall be transported, prepared and maintained at the appropriate temperatures.

7. The caterer shall not provide home prepared food at a catered function.All food handlers shall wash their hands and arms with cleanser and warm water before commencing work, immediately after using the toilet facilities, and as frequently as necessary to prevent contamination of food.

8. Toilet facilities shall be available within 200 feet of the catered function.

How to Apply For A Catering Permit

All forms can be requested by emailing Environmental.Health@yolocounty.gov.

1. Catering application (submit online at https://myhealthdepartment.com/YoloCountyEH).

2. Catering Commissary Agreement (if the commissary is outside of Yolo County, the second page will need to be signed by the EH department that regulates the facility).

3. Copy of Food Safety Manager Certificate (required within 60 days of opening for business).

4. Catering Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be completed once a year and each time the menu changes. A specialist from environmental health will review and approve the SOPs. The specialist will verify that the food is obtained from approved sources and an approved facility is provided for the following: transportation, food and equipment storage, equipment or multi-use utensil cleaning and sanitizing, refuse disposal, food packaging, and food preparation.

5. A sample menu.