The Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) is conducting food safety inspections throughout the California State Fair to help ensure the fair's more than 150 food vendors are serving food safely.
From corn dogs and funnel cakes to barbecue, fresh lemonade and specialty desserts, every temporary food facility at the fair must meet the same food safety standards as restaurants operating year-round in Sacramento County.
"Fairgoers should be able to enjoy their favorite foods with confidence," said Rolando Villareal, Environmental Health Division Chief. "Our inspectors work closely with vendors before and throughout the fair to verify safe food handling practices, proper cooking and holding temperatures, and compliance with California's food safety regulations."
Wondering how Sacramento County keeps food served at the California State Fair safe? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about food safety inspections.
What do health inspectors check during State Fair inspections?
Inspectors verify that vendors are:
- Keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Preparing food safely and in compliance with California Retail Food Code.
- Washing hands properly.
- Using food from approved sources.
- Maintaining safe water supplies and proper wastewater disposal.
How often are food vendors inspected during the fair?
Environmental health inspectors conduct routine and unannounced inspections throughout the California State Fair. They also investigate food-related complaints and provide education to vendors to help maintain safe food handling practices.
What happens if a food vendor has a food safety issue?
EMD inspectors work directly with vendors to correct violations. Depending on the severity of the issue, inspectors may require immediate corrective action or temporarily suspend food service until the violation is resolved to protect public health.
Why are food safety inspections important?
Food safety inspections help reduce the risk of foodborne illness by ensuring vendors follow safe food handling practices. Regular inspections help protect the hundreds of thousands of visitors who attend the California State Fair each year.
The 2026 California State Fair opens July 17 and runs through Aug. 2 at Cal Expo. EMD inspectors will remain on-site throughout the event to help protect public health and ensure food vendors continue meeting California food safety standards.