Section 113717 of the California Retail Food Code is a crucial provision that empowers the California Department of Health Services (the "Department") to recover costs for specific regulatory activities. Its primary intent is to ensure that the financial burden of specialized inspections and laboratory testing is borne by the requesting entities rather than the general public.
: Services are billed at the current hourly cost-recovery rate.
: Requirements are based on the specific food service activity and the extent of food preparation conducted. 113717
Section 113718 establishes the Retail Food Safety and Defense Fund in the State Treasury. All money collected under Section 113717 is deposited into this fund to be used solely for implementing food safety regulations.
: The Department must provide a statement or invoice detailing the costs paid. 3. The Retail Food Safety and Defense Fund Section 113717 of the California Retail Food Code
For food facility operators, this section means that seeking specialized Department assistance or undergoing specific required activities involves direct financial costs beyond standard annual permit fees.
Section 113717 serves as the financial engine for high-level food safety enforcement in California. By shifting costs to the regulated entities, it ensures the Department remains well-funded to provide the specialized testing and inspection services necessary to protect public health from foodborne illness. California Retail Food Code : Requirements are based on the specific food
If you are looking to put together a "long paper" on this subject, here is a structured outline and draft based on the legal and regulatory framework.