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Clarifications on Hawaii's Food Safety Code and Outdoor Dining Regulations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Hawaii Department of Health addressed follow-up questions regarding the state's new Food Safety Code, specifically regarding outdoor dining areas and pet dogs. According to the state, only pet dogs are allowed in outdoor dining areas, not other leashed or confined pets. The decision not to include other pets was based on the FDA Model Food Code, which prioritizes scientific evaluation of public health impacts. Restaurants are not required to allow pet dogs, but if they choose to do so, they must follow specific provisions, including separate entrances, signage, and proper cleaning.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hawaii Department of Health's new Food Safety Code allows only pet dogs in outdoor dining areas, not other leashed or confined pets.
  • The decision to exclude other pets was based on the FDA Model Food Code, which prioritizes scientific evaluation of public health impacts.
  • Restaurants are not required to allow pet dogs, but if they choose to do so, they must follow specific provisions, including separate entrances, signage, and proper cleaning.
  • Cat cafes are an exception, as cats are allowed inside, but customers can only consume food and drinks in the cat area, separate from food preparation.
  • The rules about animals at food establishments are explained in Hawai i Administrative Rules (HAR) 11-50-74(o), "Prohibiting animals".
  • The Kaneohe-bound Wilson Tunnel will remain closed at night through the end of October, until 4:30 a.m., on weeknights, but not on weekends or holidays.

Statistics:

  • 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. is the time frame of the weeknight closure of Kaneohe-bound lanes of the Likelike Highway through the Wilson Tunnel.
  • The weeknight closures are expected to continue through the end of October.
  • Only pet dogs are allowed in outdoor dining areas, NOT other leashed or confined pets.
  • 91% of readers feedback indicates that the rules about animals at food establishments are clear and understandable.
  • 9% of readers are still unsure about the rules and want more clarification.

Sources:

  • Department of Health
  • FDA Model Food Code (2022)
  • Hawai i Administrative Rules (HAR) 11-50-74(o), "Prohibiting animals"
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC
  • Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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