Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Bureau of Food and Recreational Businesses (BFRB)

BFRB is located within the Division of Food and Recreational Safety in the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The BFRB is responsible for licensing, inspection and oversight for 43,800 facilities including 29,200 which are licensed and inspected by local agent health departments through agreements with the State.

State Statute 97.41 authorizes the DATCP to enter into a written agreement with a local health department to act as an agent for issuing licenses, making investigations, and conducting inspections of facilities regulated by BFRB. The department currently has 57 agents.

Currently BFRB has fifty eight inspection field staff and nine field supervisors. Central Office (CO), located in Madison, provides program technical support to state staff and local agents. BFRB Central Office is responsible for licensing and renewals to state inspected establishments. CO also provides policy and interpretation and is responsible for maintaining the administrative rules and statutes. CO provides ongoing training and standardization to state and local health department sanitarians and conducts evaluations of local agent health department programs.

Who Conducts The Inspections You Are About To Review?

Restaurant inspections in Wisconsin are conducted by Environmental Health Specialists (EHS), many of whom are state or nationally Registered Environmental Health Professionals. These professionals work with restaurant owners and managers each day to keep your food safe from harmful bacteria, viruses, physical hazards and chemical contaminants. EHS spend time during each inspection discussing the processes and measures that are taken in a restaurant to assure a safe product for you.

Wisconsin EHS perform other important services including:

• Working with your local public pool operator to assure that you and your children have a safe pool environment to swim in.
• Working with your local lodging operator to assure that you and your family are kept safe from fire, injury hazards and pests.
• Working with your local campground and summer camp operators to ensure a safe environment for children and families.
• Working with your local retail food establishments to ensure a safe and wholesome food supply.

Wisconsin EHS are a valuable asset found in each community across the state.