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- LOP Case Closure (12/8/11)
The public comment period regarding potential case closure for the Mission Valley Rock fuel leak case (RO0000207) at 7999 Athenour Way in Sunol has been extended to January 31, 2012.
- Turkey FUNdamentals (11/2/11)
Believe it or not, taking care of "Tom" isn't that tough, and it can actually be FUN! Just follow USDA's "Turkey FUNdamentals" and your bird will turn out fine. The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline says that each November, both novice and experienced cooks have the same basic questions on preparing turkey...
Learn More.
Watch A Video About Thawing a Turkey.
- Food Safety Certification Classes (7/28/11)
California law requires that at least one person responsible for food safety at each food facility be food safety certified by passing an approved examination. Alameda County Environmental Health sponsors several classes and tests each year. Registration for the October 13th class in English is closed. Click here for the schedule and registration forms: English (PDF - 21kb) * and Spanish (PDF - 23kb) *
- Temporary Food Facilities/Temporary Events (6/20/11)
Throughout the year many communities have small gatherings or fairs to celebrate a specific event or theme. Other times a community event is for a single purpose. At most of these events, food is offered for sale.
California law requires the organizer of any event where food is available to obtain a permit from Environmental Health. Additionally, all vendors (both for-profit and non-profit) authorized to be at the event must have a Health Permit issued from Environmental Health. Learn more...
- California Food Handler Card Law (6/9/11)
Pursuant to SB 602 enacted into law in 2010 (Health and Safety Code 113790 et seq.), food handlers, as defined, will be required to obtain a food handler card after taking a food safety training course and passing an exam. Learn more...
- Pool and In-Ground Spa Drain Covers Recall (6/9/11)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with specific firms, has announced a voluntary recall of certain pool and spa-related consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Learn more...
- Online Bill Pay (12/21/10)
The department now accepts online payments for Environmental Health fees. For instructions and the link to the GovTeller payment site, please click here: Learn more...
- Restaurant Grading Project: Community Meeting Schedule (8/4/2011)
Alameda County will be holding community meetings for the public and food facility operators to present a new “Restaurant Grading” project.
Learn More... (PDF - 29kb) *
- Spare the Air (9/19/11)
Spare the Air Alerts are in effect. Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy. Hot temperatures and light winds will combine to produce poor air quality for the Bay Area. Learn more...
- Food Safety Certification Classes (May 23, 2011)
California law requires that at least one person responsible for food safety at each food facility be food safety certified by passing an approved examination. Alameda County Environmental Health sponsors several classes and tests each year. Registration for the June 16th class in English is closed. The next class in English is on August 18th.
Click here for the schedule and registration forms:
English (PDF - 21kb) * and Spanish (PDF - 23kb) *
- Safe Procedures for Thawing your Thanksgiving Turkey (11/9/10)
To view a video explanation of how to safely thaw a turkey, click on this link: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/index.asp.
- FDA Update To Egg Recall For Salmonella (8/26/10)
The FDA provided additional information regarding Salmonella-tainted eggs, with a listing by brand name that includes production codes. Learn more...
- CDPH Egg Recall For Salmonella (8/20/10)
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning not to eat Wright County Eggs due to concerns of Salmonella bacterial contamination. The recall has been reported to involve at least 380 million eggs. Wright County Eggs are packaged under various brand names, including Lucerne, Albertson and Ralph's. Learn more... (PDF - 53 kb) *
- Designated UST System Operator Certifications (8/18/10)
International Code Council (ICC) now offers a number of certifications, raising questions as to the role Class A, Class B, and others play in California. Learn more... (PDF - 70 kb) *
- AB1020 Deadline July 01, 2010 For VGB Upgrades (7/13/10)
AB1020 is the California law enacted January 1, 2010 for compliance with the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB). The intent of VGB is to prevent accidental drowning due to hazards at pool and spa suction outlets. A letter has recently been sent to Alameda County Pool/Spa Owners & Operators (PDF - 24 kb) * urging compliance with a 7/1/10 deadline. Learn more...
- Alameda County DEH, Vector Control Publishes "Swimmer's Itch" Findings (8/20/10)
During summer months, complaints are sometimes received from beach users in Alameda County of rashes appearing after swimming or wading in the adjoining waters. Vector Control staff recently participated in a study that discovered how Cercarial dermatitis ("swimmer's itch") can be transmitted by an uncommon marine snail.
Learn more...
- Designated Operator UST Training (9/10/10)
Alameda County Department of Environmental Heath is pleased to announce two upcoming Designated Operator training sessions for Underground Storage Tank owners and operators. The designated operator trainings will occur on September 22, 2010 and October 13, 2010. Please click on the link (link will provide more detailed info pertaining to the training) for additional information regarding this important training. Learn more... (PDF - 23 kb) *
- Solid Waste Registration Permit Issued (9/1/10)
Learn more... (PDF - 23 kb) *
- Swimmers Itch Advisory at Alameda's Crown Beach (6/18/10)
Within the past two weeks, we have received several reports of alleged skin irritations, which occurred after contact with beach water along the shoreline at Crown Beach. It is believed that these are incidents of swimmer's itch. Other than the intense itching, there are no long term health effects from this exposure.
Learn more... (PDF - 56 kb) *
- Trans Fat Ban For Retail Food Facilities (1/13/10)
Starting January 1, 2010 there are significant limitations to using trans fats in retail food facilities. By January 1, 2011 trans fats will be completely banned.
Learn more... (PDF - 59 kb) *
- Annual Mussel Quarantine Status (10/29/09)
The Annual Mussel Quarantine will be lifted at midnight, October 31, for all coastal counties except Del Norte, Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo counties. These three counties continue to experience persistent, elevated toxin levels.
Learn more... (PDF - 229 kb) *
- SB 241 Changes To California Retail Food Code (10/19/09)
On October 11, 2009 the Governor signed SB 241 which corrected a number of errors in the law governing retail food in California. This law was passed as "urgency legislation" so it became law upon signing. Some of the most significant changes are to construction requirements for mobile food facilities.
1/1/2009 vs. 10/11/2009 Law Text (PDF - 200 kb) *
Learn more... (PDF - 170 kb) *
- H1N1 (Swine) Flu (8/28/09)
Dr. Mark Horton, Director of the California Department of Public Health, has written an open letter to Californians regarding the upcoming flu season. The state's website is an important resource for information.
Learn more...
Although H1N1 cases continue to be mild in Alameda County, we advise residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of getting H1N1 or other influenza. Learn more...
- Health Safety Notices
California Department of Public Health provides information on potentially tainted foods and other issues relating to the public's well-being. Learn more...
- Public Notice:
A new registration permit has been filed for the Livermore Sanitation Recyclable Materials Transload Facility in the City of Livermore, California. Learn more...
- Update: 11/26/09
The Robert Crown Memorial Beach located in Alameda has reopened to the public for
recreational activities. However, clean-up crews are still monitoring the beach for oil tar balls and other debris.
It is advisable that you take the following precautions at the beach:
- If you see an oil tar ball in the sand, do not touch it. Use a pen or a tree branch, draw a circle around the tar ball to mark its location. Notify the clean-up crew or a park staff of the location.
- If you come in contact with an oil tar ball, wash your hands with soap and water immediately. Wash stations are located at various strategic locations on the beach. Wash your hands before eating.
- If you see oiled or injured birds, please call the International Bird Rescue Research Center hotline at (877) 823-6926. Do not handle the birds! The oil is toxic. Please call the hotline and report the birds by number, location and type of bird (if known.)
At this time, Robert Crown Memorial Beach in Alameda is CLOSED TO FISHING and shellfish harvesting.
This supersedes the recent lifting of the mussel quarantine. The suspension will remain in effect until state health
officials have determined that fishing can be reopened. Do not fish or catch shellfish from the closed areas.
Do not eat fish or shellfish that smell or taste of petroleum, or that is coated with oil.
For more information on the spill go the East Bay Regional Parks District Website: Learn more...
- Update: 11/25/09
As of 3 pm on Monday (11/23) afternoon, the Robert Crown Memorial Beach located in Alameda has reopened to the public for recreational activities. However, clean-up crews are still monitoring the beach for oil tar balls and other debris. It is advisable that you take the following precautions at the beach:
- If you see oil tar ball in the sand, do not touch it. Use a pen or a tree branch, draw a circle around the tar ball to mark its location. Notify the clean-up crew or a park staff to the location.
- If you come in contact with an oil tar ball, wash your hands with soap and water immediately. Wash stations are located at various strategic locations on the beach.
- If you see oiled or injured birds, please call the International Bird Rescue Research Center hotline at (877) 823-6926. Do not handle the birds!
- Oil Spill Update: 10/30/09
Due to the oil spill in the San Francisco Bay on October 30, 2009 all shoreline areas in Alameda County are subject to closure.
At this time, shoreline areas CLOSED TO FISHING and shellfish harvesting extend from the San Mateo Bridge to the Bay Bridge. This supersedes the recent lifting of the mussel quarantine. The suspension will remain in effect until state health officials have determined that fishing can be reopened.
Robert Crown Memorial Beach in the city of Alameda is closed to water contact and fishing. Oil spill clean-up crews are working to clean the beach. The park remains open but the beach areas are closed to the public.
Local health officials recommend people stay away from the affected shoreline but if a shoreline is visited to take the following precautions.
- Avoid direct skin contact with the oil
- If you get oil on your skin, wash it off with soap and warm water; wash your hands before eating.
- Do not fish or catch shellfish from the closed beach areas. Do not eat fish or shellfish that smell or taste of petroleum, or that is coated with oil.
- If you come into contact with oil contaminated material, contact your health care provider for further advice.
If you see oiled or injured birds, please call the International Bird Rescue Research Center hotline at (877) 823-6926. Do not handle the birds! The oil is toxic. If you see oiled birds, please call the hotline and report the birds by number, location and type of bird (if known.)
For more information on the spill go to Coast Guard Website: Learn more...
- Oil Spill (10/30/09)
A ship spilled 400-800 gallons of oil into the Bay on October 30th. This oil washed onto Alameda County shoreline in Alameda and Bay Farm Island. By Sunday, clean up efforts were well underway. Over 50,000 feet of boom were deployed. The California Department of Fish and Game, upon recommendation of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), has suspended fishing and shellfish harvesting in the areas affected by the oil. The suspension will remain in effect until state health officials have determined that fishing can be reopened.
For more information on the spill go to Coast Guard Website: Learn more...
Oiled wildlife can be reported to rescue teams at: 877-823-6926.
- National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week (5/21/09)
May 18-24 is 2009 National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week. Preventable injuries account for as many as 5,200 emergency room visits each year. Almost half of the 2007 injuries occurred at a residence.
Learn more... (PDF - 58.2 kb) *
- Recall of spices packaged by UNION INTERNATIONAL FOOD COMPANY (3/30/09)
White and black pepper products from the company’s Union City facility in the Bay Area have been associated with an outbreak of Salmonella.
Union International Food Company has initiated a voluntary recall of pepper and all other similar spice products repackaged in its facility. These products do not bear lot codes
and were sold primarily to distributors and restaurants in California and Oregon.
Learn more...
- Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (1/30/09)
On December 19, 2007, the President signed into law the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Annually, an average of 283 drowning deaths (2003-2005) and 2,700 emergency room-treated submersion injuries (2005-2007) occur in children under 5 in pools and spas. From 1997-2007, there were 9 deaths and 63 injuries due to suction entrapment
Learn more...
- H1N1 (Swine) Flu (5/22/09)
The Centers for Disease Control, state and local health departments continue to track the H1N1 virus, a respiratory disease caused by a type of influenza found in both pigs and humans. H1N1 cases identified in the U.S. are being transmitted person-to-person. California and more than 40 other states have confirmed cases of H1N1.
Learn more...
Pocket Guide to Preparing for Pandemic Flu (PDF - 178 kb) *
- Storage of Biodiesel in Underground Tanks (6/12/09)
The California State Water Resources Control Board is evaluating the feasibility of storing biodiesel fuels in
underground storage tanks. Currently, biodiesel up to B5 (a mix of 95% diesel, 5% biofuel) can be stored in an underground tank under the same
conditions as 100% diesel. Biodiesel mixtures containing greater than 20% biofuel cannot be stored in an underground tank.
Mixtures between 5% and 20% may be stored in underground tanks under certain conditions.
Learn more...
- Unidocs Online Hazardous Materials Reporting System Moves To Cal/EPA Website (6/12/09)
On approximately 9/22/09, UNIDOCS Hazardous Materials Online Inventory Project will become part of Cal/EPA.
Learn more...
- No Change In Billing Services (3/16/09)
Department of Environmental Health has reviewed its current billing procedure; there will be no changes to our billing services.
Learn more... (PDF - 30 kb) *
- Vector Control and Disease Assessment Ballot Measures Approved to Annex Emeryville and Fremont (1/13/09)
On January 13, 2009 the Alameda County Board of Supervisors (BOS) conducted a Public Hearing to hear the tabulation results of Vector Control and Disease Control Assessment for the Alameda County Vector Control Services District to annex the cities of Emeryville and Fremont. C. G. Uhlenberg, LLP, the tabulator certified the results, in summary, 70.23% of the valid ballots for Emeryville and 66.35% of the valid ballots received were in support of the proposed assessment.
Learn more...
- Body Art (Tattooing), Body Piercing and Permanent Cosmetics Ordinance (4/27/09)
The Tattoo Ordinance was approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 9, 2008 and became effective January 8, 2009.
The ordinance applies in all areas of Alameda County except for the City of Berkeley. Registration and compliance information has been posted and
has been sent to registered artists and establishments. If you have questions or wish to report a complaint please call 510-567-6790.
Learn more...
- Frozen Chicken Dinner Recall (11/28/08)
Reports of small chunks of blue plastic in Lean Cuisine brand frozen chicken dinners have led Nestle Prepared Foods Co. to recall 900,000 pounds of product.
Learn more...
- Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips (11/26/08)
The color of cooked meat and poultry is not always a sure sign of its degree of doneness. Only by using a food thermometer can you accurately determine that a meat has reached a safe temperature.
Learn more... (PDF - 153 kb) *
- Public Hearings Scheduled for Vector Control Ballot Measure for Emeryville and Fremont (12/16/08)
Public hearings have been scheduled to close the Prop 218 balloting period.
Learn more... (PDF - 19.6 kb) *
- Cosco Busan Oil Spill Update
State and federal trustee agencies have been assessing the ecological injuries and impacts to human activities caused by the Cosco Busan oil spill. This process is known as natural resource damage assessment (NRDA).
Learn more... (PDF - 369 kb) *
- Vector Control Ballot Measure for Emeryville and Fremont.
Alameda County Vector Control Services District currently provides vector and disease control services to all parcels within Alameda County except for the parcels in the cities of Emeryville and Fremont.
On October 17, a proposed Vector and Disease Control Ballot Measure that was approved by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on September 30th will be mailed to the parcel owners in the City of Emeryville and the City of Fremont.
The ballot is the opportunity for parcel owners to vote on the services that will be provided by the District. Proposed Engineer's Reports and "Questions and Answers" are available on the District Website: http://www.acvcsd.org
- Wildfire Smoke -- A Guide for Public Health
Air quality in many communities across California is poor due to the numerous wildfires this season. People with asthma and other lung diseases are especially sensitive to the wildfire smoke and should take precautions to limit their exposure to the smoky air. Learn more... (PDF - 1390 kb) *
- Outbreak of Infections Caused by Salmonella Saintpaul (6/09/08)
The Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak appears to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes. The bacteria causing the illnesses are Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella.
Tomatoes grown and harvested in California have NOT been associated with the outbreak. Learn more...
- Swimmer's Itch Advisory at Alameda's Crown Memorial Beach (7/09/08)
Recent experiences by bathers at Alameda's Crown Beach along Shoreline have lead us to suspect that there are tiny organisms in the beach water that can cause a skin irritation called "swimmer's itch." Learn more...
- Swimmers Itch Advisory at Alameda's Crab Cove Beach (6/16/08)
Recent experiences by bathers at Alameda's Crab Cove Beach have lead us to suspect that there are tiny organisms in the beach water that can cause a skin irritation called "swimmer's itch."
Please read the full warning below:
- Update To San Francisco Bay Oil Spill (3/15/08)
A fact sheet on the S.F. Bay oil spill has been issued by California EPA. Learn more... (PDF - 214 kb) *
- Light Brown Apple Moth (2/20/08)
The Light Brown Apple Moth threatens California's natural environment and food systems and is currently infesting 9 counties. Learn more... (PDF - 365 kb) *
- Tar Ball Advisories Posted at Crown Beach (6/21/08)
Sticky tar balls were found at Crown Memorial State Beach in mid-June. The beach was temporarily closed to the public and has since been reopened.
Tar Ball Advisories have been posted at the beach. For more information please refer to the East Bay Regional Parks District website or call our
Beaches Hotline at 510-567-6706.
- Crown Beach in Alameda Closed (6/17/08)
Sticky tarballs have been found at Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda. The beach has been temporarily closed to the public. Clean-up activities are ongoing and the beach will remain closed until it is safe for the public.
For more information please refer to the East Bay Regional Parks District website or call our
Beaches Hotline at 510-567-6706.
- Beef Products Recall (2/19/08)
Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co., a Chino, Calif., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 143,383,823 pounds of raw and frozen beef products. Learn more... (PDF - 156 kb) *
- Summer Internships
Alameda County Environmental Health Department is recruiting summer interns to work up to 40 hours/week to primarily conduct basic water chemistry tests and to collect water samples from public swimming pools, spas and lakes throughout Alameda County. Other projects are also being considered and may be available as part of the internship program.
Learn more... (PDF - 46 kb) *
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Beach Health Advisory (2/13/08)
There was a recent sewage release into San Francisco Bay. Beach water testing showed no impact on water safety. Learn more... (PDF - 15 kb) *
- Fisheries Opened -- Press Releases
- Health Advisory--Stay Away From All Shoreline Areas
Due to the COSCO Busan oil spill in San Francisco Bay, all shoreline areas in these cities should be avoided until further notice: Alameda, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley and Albany. Learn more... (PDF - 21 kb) *
- Holiday Food Safety (11/21/07)
SACRAMENTO - Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reminds Californians about the importance of safe food handling during the holiday season to prevent food borne illness. Learn more... (PDF - 50 kb) *
- Vector and Disease Control Assessment Approved (7/31/07)
The resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on July 24th, based on a 67.78% Yes vote in returned ballots from property owners in the District. The additional funding will provide comprehensive vector control and disease surveillance services in the District.
- Swimmer's Itch Warning at Crown Memorial Beach in Alameda (7/26/07)
Recent experiences by bathers at Alameda's Crown Beach have lead us to suspect that there are tiny organisms in the beach water that can cause a skin irritation called "swimmer's itch." Learn more...
- Proposed Vector and Disease Control Measure (5/15/2007)
The Alameda County Vector Control Services District is conducting a mail-out ballot for a proposed new
Benefit Assessment, sent on May 11, 2007 to property owners in the District (excluding Emeryville and Fremont).
The additional funding will allow the District to provide full services in vector control and disease surveillance.
Learn more... (PDF - 364 kb) *
- New Septic System Code (5/9/2007)
New septic system ordinance and regulations were passed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on March 27, 2007 and became effective
April 26, 2007. The new code will allow the development of properties with challenging site/soil conditions such as steep slopes, slow percolation rates or
high groundwater by using advanced septic system technology. Learn more...
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California Retail Food Code (Cal Code) (3/15/07)
CURFFL ends on 6/30/07 and Cal Code goes into effect 7/1/07. Learn more...
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Major Revisions To Alameda County Septic System Ordinance (2/1/07)
The current septic system ordinance is in the process of being updated to address several issues. The department has created resources to help you to better understand the requirements of the draft ordinance. Learn more...
- Notice of Public Meetings (3/12/07)
Fee increase proposals by Department of Environmental Health have been issued due to increased operating costs. More information is contained in the two documents below:
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Health Advisory: E. Coli in Spinach (10/5/06)
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Health Services have updated their information regarding the outbreak of E.Coli in spinach. Click on the links below to learn more.
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Swimmers Itch Warning at Crown Memorial Beach in Alameda (9/26/06)
Recent experiences by bathers at Alameda's Crown Beach have lead us to suspect that there are tiny organisms in the beach water that can cause a skin irritation called “swimmer’s itch.” Please read the full warning by clicking the link for either the English or Spanish version below.
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Health Advisory: E. Coli in Spinach (9/18/06)
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Health Services have updated their information regarding the outbreak of E.Coli in spinach. Click on the links below to learn more.
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Health Advisory: Japanese River Crabs (8/28/06)
Eating Japanese river crabs live, raw or undercooked may result in disease from a parasitic lung fluke. For your safety do not eat the crabs unless they have been adequately cooked. Thus far, four diners in Southern California have become ill from the lung flukes. For more information visit:
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Health Advisory Raw Oysters 8/08/06
The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) is continuing to investigate numerous cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp), a gastrointestinal illness associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked oysters. Many of these cases have been linked to specific growing areas in Washington. Seven confirmed cases have been reported to the Alameda County Health Department. Although some remain under investigation, all but one report eating raw or undercooked oysters. For more information visit:
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A stretch of Robert Crown Memorial Beach shoreline in Alameda that was closed June 6 due to an untreated sewage spill was reopened today (June 8, 2006) to the public.
Test results from water sampling done at five locations at the beach have come back "clean," meaning bacterial levels set by the State Department of Health are acceptable.
East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has removed beach closure signs posted at 35 locations along the beach shoreline between Park Street and West line Drive.
The spill, estimated at 3,000-4,000 gallons of untreated wastewater, came primarily from a car wash located at the shopping center at Shoreline Drive and Park Street. The cause of the spill was a sewer line grease blockage that was cleared by a private contractor Tuesday.
As required by law, the spill was reported to the Office of Emergency Services, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and California Department of Health Services. A California certified laboratory conducted the water analysis allowing Alameda County Department of Environmental Health to clear the beach for reopening.
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