DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
714/744 P STREET
P.O. BOX 942732
SACRAMENTO, CA 94234-7320

      Thank you for your letter of June 13, 1997, to S. Kimberly Belshé regarding requirements for footwear on patrons of food facilities. Your letter has been referred to the Food and Drug Branch for reply.

      Retail food facilities, including supermarkets and restaurants, in California are governed by the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law (CURFFL). There are a number of requirements for food handlers. These include proper and appropriate handwashing, clean outer clothing, prohibition from working while suffering a communicable disease, no spitting or smoking, adequate toilet facilities, and adequate hair covering.

      I am unaware of any restriction on clothing or footwear worn by customers or patrons. Businesses may, however, impose whatever restrictions they wish as long as they do not deprive anyone of their civil rights.

      If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please contact me at (916) 445-2263.

Sincerely, Jeffrey C. Lineberry, M.P.H. Program Specialist