Subject: footwear requirements in food establishments

Dear Mr. Shakely:

    Thank you for your letter of June 13, regarding the above subject matter. The Division of Health Engineering's Eating and Lodging Program does not specifically state requirements, in its rules, to the use of footwear in food establishments. However, I have contacted an associate with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to try and obtain further information on the subject matter. The 1997 FDA Food Code does not address this matter, but it is possible that the communicable disease section of each state may have specific requirements. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration may have specific rules requiring the use of footwear. Also, there is a reference in the Code of Federal Regulations that may apply under 21 CFR part 110.19(b)(9).

I hope this information will be helpful in your research project. Feel free to contact this office should you have any further questions.

Sincerely yours, Ron McDougal Supervisory Sanitarian