Buyer, seller: Be aware

The Northeast Colorado Health Department protects its communities from environmental hazards through regulation of retail food and body art facilities to ensure the health and safety of consumers. Buyers and sellers should be aware that food items and tattooing that are advertised on social media platforms can be unlawful and hazardous to one’s health.

It is important for people to know they are consuming and preparing safe food in order to eliminate or at least reduce the chances of foodborne illnesses, also known as food poisoning. Potentially hazardous foods must be cooked and stored at appropriate temperatures, and any facility where foods are prepared need to be clean as well as follow proper sanitization procedures.   

In the state of Colorado, a retail food establishment license is required for the sale of the following potentially hazardous food items:

— Food of animal origin that is raw or heat-treated (anything that includes meat such as tamales, burritos and cabbage pockets).

— Baked goods such as cream, custard or meringue pies, and pastries that contain cream cheese and/or custard.

— Pumpkin and sweet potato pies.

— Salsa and other cut tomato products.

— Cut fresh fruits and vegetables or juices made from these ingredients.

— Fresh or dried meat or meat products including jerky.

— Milk and dairy products, including hard or soft cheeses and yogurt.

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