Food Event Information

Food operations at UWF are permitted and inspected by the Escambia County Environmental Health office of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). This includes the Nautilus Market, Chick-fil-A, Which Wich, Twisted Taco, Bento, as well as all concessions and satellite market and coffee shops. FDOH does not inspect residence halls or other campus building kitchens or breakrooms. It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain and use equipment in a safe manner and to practice general cleanliness. Food prepared in residence halls and other campus buildings shall only be for consumption by an individual or closed group.

Key Terms

Approved Caterer – defined as a commercial establishment who has met the requirements set forth by UWF and is in good standing to cater on the UWF Main Campus. Approved Caterers are not required to obtain a Temporary Food Permit from FDOH.

Approved Source – business or facility that supplies prepared or packaged food items and is licensed by a responsible state or federal regulatory agency (i.e. grocery or warehouse store).

Approved Food Provider - defined as a licensed food vendor who provides food for takeout or delivery but does not perform the functions of a caterer. They must hold a current seating license or annual food permit with their state (i.e. restaurant).

Authorized University Food Vendor – vendor under contract with the University and/or UWF/Business Enterprises Inc. (BEI) and managed by Business and Auxiliary Services to provide campus dining, catering, beverage and snack vending services.

Closed Event – any internal event with a defined guest list that is not advertised or open to the public. The hosting party cannot require payment for food or beverages.

Public Event – any event or activity openly advertised outside the hosting department or organization outside of the University.

UWF Food Event Notifications

Do you need to submit a UWF Food Event Notification for your event or meeting? You are in the right place! Environmental Health and Safety no longer issues Food Permits. We are now using the UWF Food Event Notification form process in place of a permit. Each notification will be reviewed by EH&S and approval confirmation sent to the contact listed.

DO NOT SUBMIT a UWF Food Event Notification if your event is:

• A closed event (only for organizations or department members with a set guest list)
• An event that is located on the main campus and is catered entirely by Aramark/UWF Catering Services

DO SUBMIT a UWF Food Event Notification if your event is:

• Located on main campus and the sponsoring group is purchasing food items from an Approved Source with no additional food preparation or unnecessary food handling occurring.
• A bake sale. 

Remember: Potlucks are only allowed as closed events (events for organization or department members only).

Events Open to the Public

If you are having an event that is open to the public, please contact EH&S and provide us with more information.

Any food or beverage prepared and served by the sponsoring group must be procured from an Approved Source. If EH&S determines that you need approval from FDOH, ENVHS will help you complete a Temporary Food Service Event Application from the Florida Department of Health and submit it for you. 

Any food or beverage purchased from and prepared by an Approved Food Provider or Approved Caterer will be served in the form in which it will be consumed. No additional food preparation or unnecessary food handling will occur. Complete the UWF Food Event Notification Form below and provide the required information. This form is NOT required if you are using an Approved Caterer. The caterer must provide all food for the event.

Coke products are the official beverages for UWF vending and pouring rights. Departments or student groups on campus wishing to purchase beverage products or have products donated should use only Coca-Cola beverage products. Coca-Cola has agreed to financial and in-kind support for the University. For additional information email auxservices@uwf.edu.

Registered student organizations are required to officially register any event with the University Commons and Event Services (UCES) that includes food and beverages, regardless of how they are provided.

Student organization bake sales are permitted and must comply with applicable fundraising policies and register with UCES. It is impossible to control food prepared, cooked, or stored at home; therefore, any food items prepared in a private home shall not be sold on the UWF campus. Bake sale items must be purchased from an Approved Source.

UWF Food Event Notification

 

Code and Statutes Regulating Food in Florida

• Chapter 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code
• Section 381.0072, Florida Statutes
• 2013 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code
• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Annual Editions (The 2013 FDA Food Code references – Titles 9, 21, 40, 50)