Health Department

** 2024 Septic System Installer Course **  Classes begin on Feb. 22, 2024.  Classes are held via Zoom on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm - 9:30pm.  Information and application are available at www.cowra-online.org.  Click on Licensing Class.  


CHECK YOUR CUPBOARDS -  LEAD WARNING.   Cinnamon Apple Fruit Puree & Applesauce

There is a nationwide voluntary recall of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnuck Market Inc. brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches & variety pack, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches due to lead in the product.  

  • If a child has already consumed any of these products, contact the child’s pediatrician to have their blood lead level tested. 
  • Do not consume this product.  Return the product to place of purchase for a full refund or discard it.

Daycare & childcare providers must be especially vigilant to ensure this product is not served or brought in by parents and caregivers. 

If you are attending or hosting gatherings this holiday season, check to make sure this product is not being served – especially to young children.  

For additional questions about specific products, consumers are encouraged to contact the companies:

  • WanaBana at support@wanabanafruits.com
  • Schnucks Customer Care team at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400
  • Weis Customer Service number at 866-999-9347

** NEW ** FDA MODEL FOOD CODE  CT Regulations for the Model Food Code became effective on February 17, 2023.  This LAW requires ALL foodservice establishments, food vendors, itinerant food vendors and certified food inspectors in Connecticut to comply with the most recent version of the Model Food Code.  There are no exemptions (i.e., no "grandfathering") in the Code which allow persons or entities to continue with activities or operations that are not in the Model Food Code.  Foodservice establishments and staff are strongly encouraged to read the 2022 FDA Food Code and the summary of changes which can be downloaded here: https://www.fda.gov/food/fda-food-code/food-code-2022.


Healthy People in a Healthy Community is the goal for the Essex Health Department. We are committed to providing essential local public health services and programs through on-going education, prevention of diseases, investigation of health problems, monitoring and advocacy. We investigate complaints concerning environmental conditions and violations of the Public Health Code and take appropriate enforcement action.

The Health Department enforces Connecticut General Statutes, Connecticut Public Health Code Regulations and the Essex Waste Water Management Ordinance.

As you travel through this site you will find information on our services, health articles, applications for permits, a section to register complaints, and information on recent health issues.

We are happy to respond to inquiries, comments, or suggestions for new programs that will improve our community's health and safety.


Restaurant ServSafe Training ScheduleThe Connecticut Restaurant Association announces the ServSafe Schedule. ServSafe Manager meets the requirement for the state mandated Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). The current schedule can be found at http://ctrestaurant.org/servsafe

The Private Well Class: Learn about drinking water wells from videos, podcasts, and by email.  Learn how to protect your drinking water well.

Stormwater: Educational information to reduce/eliminate pollution in stormwater runoff -- pet waste, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, impervious cover, and the impacts of illicit discharge.

Nuisance/Distressed Dogs: Contact the Animal Control Officer at            860-767-4340 x160.

 

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Lisa Fasulo Director of Health / Registered Sanitarian 860-767-4340 x118
Darcy Roper Administrative Assistant 860-767-4340 x144
Kerry Berardinelli Administrative Assistant 860-767-4340 x119
Don Mitchell Registered Sanitarian 860-767-4340 x 151