April 9, 2009

Dear Mr. Whitaker,

Thank you for your letter to Dr. Goldberg requesting clarification of the rules relating to footwear in restaurants. The Department of Human Services, through the Foodborne Illness Prevention Program, oversees food safety in restaurants and other operations that provide ready-to-eat food directly to consumers. In these facilities, our Food Sanitation Rules (OAR 333-150-0000) do not require that patrons wear footwear while in the establishment.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture maintains standards for grocery and other food-related retail operations. I contacted their office and they indicated that they also do not require footwear in facilities they regulate.

If you have other questions, please feel free to contact me at (971) 673-0450 or david.c.martin@state.or.us.

Sincerely,

(signed)

Dave Martin
Foodborne Illness Prevention Program Coordinator

This can be obtained in an alternate format by calling: (971) 673-0185

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