On September 26, 2023, Bernalillo County commissioners approved amendments to the county's food code. The County is transitioning to the 2022 model FDA Food Code, replacing the 2005 FDA model Food Code, to harmonize its food service regulations with those anticipated by the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque for retail food establishments according to a press release.
Bernalillo County announced, "Other modifications are meant to clarify areas of ambiguity or to update industry best practices aimed at the protection of consumer health."
These approved changes to Bernalillo County's Food Code primarily impact unincorporated areas beyond city limits. Some noteworthy amendments include permitting the donation of prepared and labeled foods, allowing pet dogs in outdoor dining spaces, providing more options for selling ungraded eggs and raw milk, enabling the manufacture of edible cannabis products, reducing hot water requirements at handwashing stations, and integrating the food handler card and certified food protection manager certifications with a grace period for implementation according to a press release.
"The updates to the food code that we passed tonight modernize our ordinance and recognize the value of our local food economy and local agriculture to our community,” says District 5 Commissioner Eric Olivas according to a press release. “Especially exciting that we will now empower our local agricultural producers to sell their products like raw milk and ungraded eggs directly to consumers.”
The Food Code serves as a blueprint for upholding public health and the integrity of food presented to consumers. It provides guidance to ensure the safety and proper handling of food in retail and food service establishments. This model is adaptable for adoption by local, state, and federal jurisdictions and promotes equivalence in public health protection. The 2022 Food Code, in its 10th edition, demonstrates the FDA's ongoing collaboration with governmental bodies at various levels. It reflects input from regulatory authorities, industry experts, academia, and consumers who participated in the 2020 Conference for Food Protection biennial meeting held in 2021 according to the FDA.