Green Yellow Red (GYR) Placard Program

​Food Program Enhancements Beginning January 1, 2007​

Green Placard               Yellow Placard                 Red Placard

Sample Sacramento County Placards
[Click on graphic for larger sample image]

Food Safety Program Enhancements: Sacramento County was the first County in California to post color-coded placards to display inspection results for food facilities beginning January 1, 2007.  These placards assist patrons with making an informed decision regarding food safety prior to entering the food facility.

Placards:

  • Green Placard ("Pass"): A acceptable level of compliance was achieved.
  • Yellow Placard ("Conditional Pass"): Violations were observed that required immediate correction and a follow-up inspection that will be conducted within 24 to 72 hours.
  • Red Placard ("Closed"): Closure is required when an imminent danger to public health or safety is observed.

 In addition to the Color-Coded Placarding Program, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved the following Food Safety Program Enhancements:

  • Increased Inspection Frequencies.
  • Educational Workshops for Retail Food Facility Operators.
  • Public Outreach to provide information on the different color placards.
  • Additional Inspection and Support staff.

Timeline:​ All Sacramento County retail food facilities have a color-coded placard, which facilities are required to post within five (5) feet of the main entrance. New facilities will receive a placard with their first regular inspection, which occurs within the first 30 days of operation.

Where: The placard posting requirements apply to all Sacramento County retail food facilities, including the cities of Sacramento, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, Isleton and Galt, as well as in unincorporated areas of the County.

Workshops: The Department offers "How to Get a Green" workshops periodically for food facility operators beginning in fall 2006.  See "How to Get a Green" Training Class Schedule. In addition, review the 'How to get a Green' Training Video.

Inspection Reports:​ A copy of the inspection report will continue to be available upon request at the food facility itself, and will continue to be available on the Food Inspection ​web site. The web site inspection result reflects the color of placard that was issued at each facility.

Increased Inspection Frequency: The number of inspections per year varies by the type of facility. Routine inspections at facilities that prepare food occurs three times per year.  The inspection frequency for retail markets is two routine inspections per year.

For additional information or if you have comments or questions about the Food Protection Program enhancements, please contact EMD at the address below:

Sacramento County Environmental Management Department
Environmental Health Division
10590 Armstrong Avenue, Suite B
Mather, CA 95655-4153

916-875-8440
foodprogram@saccounty.net