Food Code Adoption Toolkit: Collaborate
Connect and build relationships with local public health officials, local legislators and decision-makers, and impacted communities, like members of the local industry, to garner support and buy-in.
Get to know your local public health officials and answer their questions
Your state and territorial public health officials may want to learn why adoption and compliance with the FDA Food Code is important. You can provide this Importance of the FDA Food Code brief, which is specifically geared towards health officials, directly to interested parties or you can use it to guide your talking points.
Provide information to your legislators
Your legislator may not have ever heard of the Food Code. Help them understand the Food Code and the importance of adopting current regulations. These documents may help you formulate and target your communications specifically for legislative audiences:
These documents were developed in partnership between the National Conference of State Legislators and the National Environmental Health Association.
Share information with your Board of Health
In some jurisdictions, Boards of Health are the decision-makers. Be sure to get to know them and share information about Food Code adoption to help them understand the importance of Food Code adoption. Provide a clear path forward that they can support.
Identify allies among community members
Members of the public can be strong allies for Food Code adoption. Outspoken community members may be able to provide testimony to legislators or other decision-makers. You provide a public service, so get your community involved.
Voluntary National Retail Food Safety Regulatory Program Standards Standard 7
Use these outreach activities to solicit a broad spectrum of input about the state, local, tribal, or territorial regulatory program.
Last updated: September 1, 2023
