Environmental Health

The role of Environmental Health is to develop and promote measures which modify or control factors that cause illness, injury, or discomfort to people.



The National Sanitation Foundation

Topic of the Month

Food Establishment Inspection Sheets

Rodent & Mosquito Control

Abilene Restaurant Inspection Scores

Neighborhood Public Health Concerns

Temporary Food Service Requirements





The Environmental Health office is located at Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut, Suite 100,
Abilene, TX. We are open Monday through Fridayfrom 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.


Contact Us

Phone:
(325) 437-4590

Mailing Address:
City of Abilene
Environmental Health
P.O. Box 60
Abilene, TX 79604-0060

Food Safety for those…

 Glorious Holiday Goodies !

 

It’s the holidays!  With so many delightful foods to choose from, it’s important to keep holiday treats safe from BAC *a.k.a. bacteria).  Join in the festivities and ensure a safe holiday feasting season for you, your family, and your friends by following these food safety tips. 

Beware of

BAC

The Invisible Enemy

You can’t see, taste, or smell bacteria, but it can be on food and multiply rapidly in moist, warm conditions.  If consumed, harmful bacteria can cause food borne illness.

 

Be Egg-stra Cautious!

Around the holidays, people eat a variety of foods, some of which may contain uncooked or lightly-cooked eggs.  Even grade A eggs with clean, uncracked shells can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.  That’s why it’s important to cook eggs thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may be presents.

 

Chocolate, macaroons, and gingerbread…how sweet the aromas of freshly-baked cookies around the holidays.  Treat your tummy to these tasty yummies, but avoid licking the spoon or the mixing bowl if the batter contains uncooked eggs.  Tasting cookie or cake batter can be tempting, but remember that BAC could be lurking in those uncooked eggs.

 

BAC can multiply quickly in moist desserts that contain dairy products, so remember the 2-Hour Rule:  Don’t leave perishables out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.  Keep eggnog, cheesecake, cream pies, and cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings refrigerated.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about food safety during the holiday season, contact: 

Source:  Partnership for Food Safety Education








[ Return to Top of Page ]



FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION SHEETS

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (5 points)




Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (4 points)




Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action, Not to Exceed 10 Days(3 points)





IMPORTANT LINKS

Texas Food Establishment Rules

Summary of changes to Texas Food Establishment Rules

Using pH, aw, or the Interaction of pH and aw to Determine if a Food Requires Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS)


[ Return to Top of Page ]



NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS

The City of Abilene has a Nuisance Ordinance that is partially enforced by Environmental Health. Specifically, we address nuisance conditions that are of public health significance, such as broken sewer lines and stagnant pools of water that provide hatiching sites for mosquitoes. Citizens can call 437-4590 to register a complaint about these issues.



A lot of things can be recycled now. The City of Abilene Recycling Center is located at 2209 Oak. They accept aluminum cans, anti-freeze, bi-metal cans, glass, magazines, newspaper, used oil and oil filters, tires, tree limbs and trunks, bagged grass and leaves, and household hazardous waste. For more information call 672-2209.

For more information about other recycling centers in Abilene, contact Keep Abilene Beautiful at 734-3301.

If you have materials to take to the sanitary landfill, you can call BFI at 672-7613 for more information.


[ Return to Top of Page ]



RODENT AND MOSQUITO CONTROL

Rodents can destroy property, spread filth and disease, and generally are undesirable in your neighborhood. You can discourage rodents from living on your property by keeping the area around your home clean. Items stored on your property such as firewood or lumber should be stacked at least 18" up off of the ground to prevent harborage. Dog food or cat food should be put out in small amounts only. Dishes should be taken up and not left out.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread disease to you or your pets. Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.


Request Mosquito Spraying


[ Return to Top of Page ]




City of Abilene Temporary Food Service Requirements

Temporary Booth Regs
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - visit www.adobe.com for free download)

View the Texas Food Establishment Rules at:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/


Any questions? Call the Environmental Health Section at (325) 437-4590.




[ Return to Top of Page ]