Food Focus June 2026 News

This blog post shares key information from our biannual printed newsletter distributed to all food vendors. The content focuses on food protection knowledge, helpful reminders and practical tips for food establishments. Designed to support both new and experienced operators, it encourages conversation, learning and collaboration in maintaining safe food practices.

Summer Food Safety — Keeping Cold Food Safe

Poorly designed kitchens can have ambient temperatures that exceed 90° F on hot summer days. High kitchen temperatures make it more difficult to keep cold foods at 41° F or below. Use these tips to help keep cold foods out of the temperature danger zone.

1. Schedule routine maintenance for walk-in coolers, freezers and refrigeration units.
   • Clean condenser coils and maintain proper refrigerant levels.
2. Reduce the ambient temperature of the kitchen so refrigeration equipment does not have to work as hard.
   • Keep windows closed.
   • Keep air conditioning vents clean.
3. Turn off equipment when it is not in use, such as blenders, coffee makers and microwaves. This can help
   reduce the ambient temperature of the kitchen and decrease the workload on refrigeration equipment.
4. Add additional refrigeration capacity when needed.
5. Install plastic strip curtains inside walk-in cooler doors to help keep cold air inside when doors are opened.
6. Store cold foods in metal pans instead of plastic pans whenever possible.
7. During slower business hours, keep prep cooler lids closed and cover food containers with lids.

City License Renewal — Don’t Miss the Deadline!

City license renewal notices for food establishments in Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Bixby have been mailed.

Please note that current food licenses expire June 30, 2026 and must be renewed before August 1, 2026 to avoid a 50% delinquency fee.

When submitting your renewal application, ensure that you include:

• A copy of your current sales tax permit
• Payment for the license fee, whether paying in person at the License Center or submitting the application by mail

Fly Off! Pest Control in Restaurants
There is no easy way to say it: flies are gross.

For many restaurants, flies can be a significant problem and may indicate an infestation. Flies can carry disease-causing organisms that may be transferred to food or food-contact surfaces. The best approach is to take action and implement preventive measures before a problem develops.

1. Deny entry of flies into the facility.
   • Install air curtains at frequently used back doors or drive-thru windows.
   • Make sure that door sweeps are in good repair on exterior doors.
   • Keep doors closed, even during food deliveries.
2. Identify areas that may attract flies.
   • Dining tables where food waste and spills don’t get immediate attention.
   • Bar areas where sticky, sweet residue from beverages and keg taps can attract flies.
   • Floor drains and sinks where food wastes and grease can collect.
   • Dumpsters with open lids or dumpsters located too close to exterior doors.
3. Store food properly.
   • Rotate food regularly to prevent spoilage that may attract flies.
   • Keep all stored food covered.
     

By taking a few additional preventive measures, you can help keep your restaurant from becoming a hotspot for flies.