Board adopts 2017 FDA model food code as the Arizona food code; county to offer CFPM training

Mohave County supervisors on Jan. 5 adopted the 2017 FDA model food code, aligning local regulations with the state delegation agreement and the Arizona Department of Health Services. The board elected to label the local ordinance the "Arizona food code" to reflect the statelevel authority and to preserve the countys ability to adopt more restrictive provisions when permitted.

Environmental health staff described the changes that are both less and more restrictive than the older code (examples included new cleaning and labeling requirements, updated time/temperature controls and expanded worker-health guidance). Director Palmer explained plans to offer Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) training monthly in major population centers and biannually in smaller communities; staff noted the training and testing resources are budgeted and Arizona at Work can offer funding assistance to employers and employees for compliance costs.

County legal counsel explained that Mohave County operates under a delegation agreement with ADHS and that in practice the county already follows the 2017 food code for inspection and enforcement; adopting a local ordinance provides the board an opportunity to title the local rule and potentially add more-restrictive measures later if needed.

The board adopted the code and accompanying amendments to Mohave County ordinance 98-10 and asked staff to proceed with transition activities and public posting of inspection results.

Implementation: staff will run CFPM training and proctor exams (county offers proctoring); inspection results are posted on the county website monthly and staff will continue outreach to food establishments as the code takes effect on March 1, 2026.