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Community Development - Health

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1. What are the requirements for opening a new food service establishment or retail food establishment?

In addition to the health regulations, the Community Development Department has building, zoning, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection requirements. To obtain a copy of the restaurant construction guidelines, please visit the Forms and Applications page.

2. How do I report a complaint about a restaurant?

Please give us a call at 847-506-6030 or fill out an online complaint form.

3. What requirements do I need to follow to have a festival, fair, bake sale, barbecue, etc.?

You must obtain an Outdoor Activity Permit and a temporary food permit from the Health Department. Depending on circumstances, other permits (tent, sign, etc.) may also be necessary. To access this form, view the permits tab under the Forms and Applications page.

4. How do I report a complaint about the house, apartment, motel, or hotel that I am renting?

Please give us a call at 847-506-6030 or fill out an online complaint form.

5. I want to do catering out of my home. What are the requirements?

Zoning regulations prohibit such a home occupation. For more information, view the Home Occupations Permits page.

6. I’m going to buy an existing food establishment. What are the requirements?

Prior to purchasing the establishment please review the restaurant construction guidelines to determine what will be required to bring the facility into compliance. You can obtain a copy of the restaurant construction guidelines by visiting the Forms and Applications page.

7. Does the City of Rolling Meadows provide flu shots?

No, The City of Rolling Meadows does not provide this service. To find locations administering the flu shot, please visit the Northwest Community Healthcare website.

8. What should I do if I find a dead bird or squirrel?

Dead birds and squirrels can be double bagged and disposed with the regular trash.

9. What should I do if I have a mold problem in my home?

Please contact an environmental health consulting company or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health Guidelines' Indoor Air Quality website.

10. How many pets can I own?

Residents are allowed a total of 4 dogs, cats, or other household domestic animals.

11. How do I dispose of used needles properly?

For information regarding disposal of used needles, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Disposal of Medical Sharps page.

12. What temperature must my landlord maintain in my apartment during the cold winter months?

The owner or any building who rents or leases a unit must maintain the temperature at 65 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night from October 1 to May 15.

13. Are food service employees allowed to eat while preparing food?

No, employees may only consume food and/or use tobacco products in designated break areas that are separate from all food handling and dishwashing areas.

14. Do food service employees have to wash their hands after they handle money and before they handle food?

Employees, prior to handling food, must wash their hands after any activity that may have contaminated their hands. Therefore, they must wash their hands after handling money and before handling food.

15. Is it acceptable for food handlers to handle food with their bare hands?

Generally speaking, the answer is no. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, such as foods that will not be undergoing any further cooking, must be minimized. Therefore, the use of a proper utensil or single-use gloves is required when handling ready-to-eat foods.

16. What should I do if I think I have a food borne illness?

If you think you have become ill from eating contaminated food seek medical attention immediately. You should have a stool specimen cultured to determine the cause of illness. Please contact us at 847-506-6030 or fill out an online complaint form.

17. What is the proper temperature for your refrigerator?

Refrigerators should stay at 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) or less. A temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) or less is important because it slows the growth of most bacteria. The temperature won't kill the bacteria, but it will limit them from multiplying, and the fewer there are, the less likely you are to get sick from them.

Freezing at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or less stops bacterial growth. However, it won't kill all bacteria already present.

18. My power went off for several hours. Is the food in my refrigerator and freezer safe to eat?

This depends greatly on 2 factors: How long the power was interrupted and whether you opened the refrigerator or freezer doors after your power was lost. Most refrigerators and freezers not opened after a loss of power will maintain their temperature for quite some time. Refrigeration units can usually maintain a safe temperature for 8-12 hours. Freezers, if kept closed, can maintain a safe temperature for 24-48 hours.

If the refrigeration or freezer units have been opened, much of the temperature holding capacity has been lost. If your power is interrupted for more than 4 hours, the rule of "when in doubt, throw it out" applies to foods in your refrigerator. The foods in the freezer may be used if not completely thawed for more than 4 hours.