Final answer:
The assertion that food service establishments are regulated by county health departments is true. Health departments, alongside federal agencies, set and enforce rules for food safety in restaurants, although home kitchens are not subject to such inspections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that food service establishments are regulated by county health departments is true. In the United States, both the federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local health departments play significant roles in the prevention of foodborne diseases. These agencies enforce strict hygiene and safety regulations in food handling and production. They ensure that foods can be traced back to their points of origin and dates of processing, which is critical for identifying the sources of foodborne disease outbreaks.
Furthermore, local health departments are tasked with regularly inspecting restaurant kitchens to maintain sanitary conditions. This is in contrast to home kitchens, which do not undergo such inspections. It is also important to note that Dillon's Rule, which pertains to the authority of local governments, does not directly grant the freedom and flexibility in making health-related decisions but delineates the relationship between state and local governments in terms of legal authority.
There are myths suggesting that foodborne disease is predominantly caused by restaurant foods. However, foodborne illness can also arise from contamination at home. The misconception that foodborne disease is always caused by the last food eaten is also a myth. Proper food safety is imperative in all settings.