New state law exempts all child care centers from kitchen inspections

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The new law is creating problems for early head start centers which must provide two meals a day for low income children and it is keeping at least one center from opening. House Bill 5311 took effect July first. It prohibits the state Department of Health from inspecting not just this center, but all child care center kitchens in Florida, in both new and already operating centers. Pam Davis, the Executive Director of Kids Inc., says parents should be concerned. “The fact that no one is going to be out inspecting these kitchens that are in child care centers and schools and nursing homes," Davis said. "That concerns me as a citizen. I think that’s a public health hazard.”

   Multiple state officials met in Pensacola Friday on the issue and looking for ways to allow the inspections to occur, but it will take legislative action to remedy the problem.