Council hears public testimony on proposed food-safety code update, certification requirement draws questions over fees and scope

City health officials and industry stakeholders presented a proposed rewrite of Chapter 11 (Food Inspection and Protection) during a public hearing that would adopt the Nebraska food code and the Nebraska Pure Food Act by reference and add a countywide food-handler certification requirement.

Adam Carlson, supervisor of food safety and compliance at the Douglas County Health Department, said the municipal code needs updating because the current chapter dates from the 1970s. Carlson said the proposed changes would bring Omaha into compliance with state statute, strike redundant or conflicting language, and add a requirement that all food handlers in Douglas County obtain a food-handler certification. "A trained and knowledgeable food handling staff is the primary intervention to prevent foodborne illness," Carlson…