Staying Safe While Savoring Delicious Fair Foods

As September ushers in National Food Protection Month, Tulsa County residents have even more reason to feel confident and excited about the upcoming Tulsa State Fair. This vibrant annual event is not only a hub of thrilling rides and delightful entertainment but also a gastronomic paradise brimming with diverse culinary delights. Amidst the bustling fairgrounds, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) stands as a vigilant guardian, ensuring that every food vendor meets our food safety standards. Our inspections and commitment to public health can provide you and your family peace of mind, allowing all fairgoers to fully immerse themselves in the festivities without a worry.

THD has a long history of working closely with the Tulsa State Fair to ensure that fairgoers can indulge in their favorite fair cuisine without fear of contracting a foodborne illness. This year, the fair will include approximately 200 individual food booths that will be inspected to determine compliance with State food regulations.

Food inspectors will be educating fair vendors about food safety and conducting frequent inspections to ensure that the vendors are using safe food handling practices. This practice has proven very effective in protecting the public. Once a food vendor’s booth has been inspected, THD will place a sticker on the window to indicate that it has been inspected and licensed.

THD inspectors will put in approximately 650 hours throughout the duration of the fair while conducting approximately 600 food inspections. They will educate vendors on appropriate food handling procedures and most importantly, ensure that proper handwashing techniques are used.

THD works to safeguard public health through education on safe food handling practices and the regulation of food service establishments. Tulsa County currently has 5,048 retail food establishments. Over the past two years, THD inspectors have performed more than 14,410 inspections.

So, as the fair approaches, let’s celebrate the flavors of NE Oklahoma with a hearty appreciation for the diligent efforts that keep our community safe and thriving.