Environmental Office
The Bureau of Environmental Services ensures the safety of Alabamians by regulating food, lodging, swimming pools, body art, onsite sewage, and solid waste. In Baldwin County, the Environmental Office comprises the Division of Inspection Services and the Division of Community Environmental Protection. You can read more about each below.
New Seafood Labeling Law
A new Seafood Labeling Law took effect on October 1, 2024, replacing the previous regulations enforced by ADPH in food service establishments. Under the new law, ADPH will only investigate verified seafood labeling complaints, requiring complainants to sign their names; anonymous complaints will not be accepted. An electronic complaint form and frequently asked questions are available on Environmental Health Services.
Additionally, starting October 1, 2024, all mobile food units in Alabama must operate from a permitted commissary with a valid food permit. Out-of-state commissaries will no longer be approved after September 30, 2024.
Sadie Grace Andrews Act
The Sadie Grace Andrews Act is a law requiring all restaurants and commercial food establishments that have accessible outdoor grease traps to have lids that can withstand loads from traffic and are inaccessible to children. Please see our flyer for full details.
2013 FDA Food Code Changes
The State of Alabama has adopted the most recent FDA Food Code. Important changes to that code include the following: Effective January 1, 2020, a person in charge with a food protection manager certification must be present at the food establishment at all times.
Pet Dogs at Outdoor Dining Areas
The 2021 Alabama legislative session has brought changes to the food rules that allow for pet dogs in outdoor dining areas of food service establishments under certain conditions. The Pet Dogs on Outdoor Dining Areas new law goes into effect on August 1, 2021.
One of the conditions in this new law requires the food service establishment to file for a "Waiver relating to pet dogs" with the health department before beginning. In an effort to streamline the waiver process, the central office has developed an "Application for Pet Dogs on Patios Waiver." The applicant must sign and date the waiver; the environmentalist will sign and date the waiver and provide a copy of the signature page along with the top page for reference to the applicant. The environmentalist may assess compliance with the provisions of the "Pet Dogs on Patios" law during the next routine inspection. Food service establishments that have received a waiver to allow for pet dogs in outdoor dining areas that are in violation of the provisions listed in the law will be debited on the inspection sheet - item #2, under 2-103.11(O), which pertains to the duties of the person in charge. Item #2 is a Priority foundation - circle "Person in Charge." Food service establishments that have not applied for a waiver but are allowing pet dogs/animals on the premises will be debited item #31 under 6-501.115 - Prohibiting Animals.
Division of Inspection Services
Responsibilities of the Division of Inspection Services include:
Applications, permits, and fees are required to operate one of these establishments. Temporary food events are permitted and inspected by the food and lodging division.
Search for your favorite restaurant's recent inspection score using the Food Establishment Scores website.
Division of Community Environmental Protection
Responsibilities of the Division of Community Environmental Protection include:
- Onsite sewage systems (septic systems)
- Solid waste
- Vector Complaints
Applications, fees, and permits are required to install, repair, modify, or certify sewage systems. Learn how to properly use and maintain your septic system and disinfect your water well.
Check the latest water quality results at your favorite beach.
Mosquito Inquiries or Complaints
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
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- Mosquito-Borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus Transmission
- DEET Mosquito Spray is available at the Environmental Office in Robertsdale and the Baldwin County Health Department in Bay Minette. Supplies are limited to one can per address.
Vibrio
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- Visit ADPH Epidemiology for information on Vibrio and other notifiable diseases and outbreaks.
- Vibrio Fast Facts Flyer
Page last updated: February 26, 2025