When visiting a seasonal fair or festival, one of the biggest attractions is the variety of food. From handmade corndogs and deep-fried Oreos to bacon snow cones and funnel cakes, the options are endless and often served on a stick.
This year, the California State Fair boasts 160 different food stands scattered throughout the Cal Expo grounds. But with so many choices, fairgoers might wonder about food safety. Fear not, Sacramento County officials are on the job daily, ensuring every vendor follows strict protocols for food storage, preparation, and serving.
Food vendors at the fair are monitored just like brick-and-mortar restaurants or food trucks. The Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) fields on-site inspectors to ensure that every food stand at the California State Fair adheres to safe food practices every step of the way.
“Food vendors at the California State Fair face the same level of inspection as all other restaurants in Sacramento County,” said Rolando Villareal, Environmental Health Division Chief.
Health inspectors work throughout the fair’s duration, conducting unannounced inspections, investigating any food-related complaints, and providing education to vendors. Some of the things inspectors look for include the preparation of fresh food daily (no cooling of food for next-day use), maintaining proper food temperatures, using approved food sources, following proper handwashing procedures, and ensuring safe water supplies and proper sewage disposal.
“We want to ensure that they are all following safe food handling practices and adhering to state health codes to keep their customers from getting sick,” explained Villareal. While the county works hard to ensure food safety at the California State Fair, there’s one thing they can’t help with: overindulgence. If you eat too much during your visit, that’s entirely on you, and hopefully not “on you” literally.
The California State Fair opened last Friday and runs through July 28. The food options are endless, whether you’re craving something sweet, salty, crunchy, fried, or even a healthy alternative. Fairgoers can find their favorite treats in various locations, celebrating the fried food tradition many look forward to.
With so many food options, it’s hard to try everything. This year, with the Taste of the Fair, you can try bite-sized versions some of your favorite fair foods for only $4 a taste on Wednesday’s and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
During Taste of the Fair, each vendor offers one item at $4. The promotion does not apply to the traveling Butler food stands, bars, Turf Club, and the Clubhouse. Everywhere else, you can try more for just four dollars, surely leaving you in a State of Awe, as the California State Fair likes to say.
The Taste of the Fair is great for little ones or anyone who wants to sample a variety of treats from their favorite fair vendors. With many vendors participating, there are plenty of tastes to please your palate. Whether a small snack or a full meal of minis, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
You can view a full breakdown of each and every food provider at the Calfornia State Fair by visiting the official California State Fair HERE on the official website at www.calexpostatefair.com where you will also find information on upcoming concerts at the fair and more.
Entertainment this week in the fair’s Toyota Concert Series includes country music’s Chris Young on Thursday night, July 18. On Friday visitors can enjoy a multi-artist show with 90’s Rewind featuring Tone Loc, C&C Music Factory and Digital Underground. Saturday the legendary Patti Labelle will take the Toyota Concert Series stage to name a view. The state fair features numerous local bands throughout the run of the fair on various stages, all of which are listed in the fair’s online schedule at www.calexpostatefair.com.
