Summer Food Safety — Keeping Cold Food Safe

Poorly designed kitchens can have ambient temperatures that exceed 90° F on hot summer days. High kitchen temperatures make it more difficult to keep cold foods at 41° F or below. Use these tips to help keep cold foods out of the temperature danger zone.

1. Schedule routine maintenance for walk-in coolers, freezers and refrigeration units.
   • Clean condenser coils and maintain proper refrigerant levels.
2. Reduce the ambient temperature of the kitchen so refrigeration equipment does not have to work as hard.
   • Keep windows closed.
   • Keep air conditioning vents clean.
3. Turn off equipment when it is not in use, such as blenders, coffee makers and microwaves. This can help
   reduce the ambient temperature of the kitchen and decrease the workload on refrigeration equipment.
4. Add additional refrigeration capacity when needed.
5. Install plastic strip curtains inside walk-in cooler doors to help keep cold air inside when doors are opened.
6. Store cold foods in metal pans instead of plastic pans whenever possible.
7. During slower business hours, keep prep cooler lids closed and cover food containers with lids.

City License Renewal — Don’t Miss the Deadline!

City license renewal notices for food establishments in Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Bixby have been mailed.

Please note that current food licenses expire June 30, 2026 and must be renewed before August 1, 2026 to avoid a 50% delinquency fee.

When submitting your renewal application, ensure that you include:

• A copy of your current sales tax permit
• Payment for the license fee, whether paying in person at the License Center or submitting the application by mail

Fly Off! Pest Control in Restaurants
There is no easy way to say it: flies are gross.

For many restaurants, flies can be a significant problem and may indicate an infestation. Flies can carry disease-causing organisms that may be transferred to food or food-contact surfaces. The best approach is to take action and implement preventive measures before a problem develops.

1. Deny entry of flies into the facility.
   • Install air curtains at frequently used back doors or drive-thru windows.
   • Make sure that door sweeps are in good repair on exterior doors.
   • Keep doors closed, even during food deliveries.
2. Identify areas that may attract flies.
   • Dining tables where food waste and spills don’t get immediate attention.
   • Bar areas where sticky, sweet residue from beverages and keg taps can attract flies.
   • Floor drains and sinks where food wastes and grease can collect.
   • Dumpsters with open lids or dumpsters located too close to exterior doors.
3. Store food properly.
   • Rotate food regularly to prevent spoilage that may attract flies.
   • Keep all stored food covered.
     

By taking a few additional preventive measures, you can help keep your restaurant from becoming a hotspot for flies.

The post Food Focus June 2026 News appeared first on Tulsa Health Department.

What’s the difference between hemp and cannabis?

Cannabis and hemp are essentially the same plant, the difference being how much Delta-9 THC it contains. If 0.3% or less of the weight of the plant is THC, then it’s hemp. If the weight of the THC is more than 0.3% of the plant, then it’s cannabis. Beyond that, the plants are very similar: Same look, same smell, same cannabinoids.

Despite hemp containing low levels of Delta-9, hemp-infused beverages can still cause impairment. The amount of THC in a beverage can exceed what is in the recommended serving size, doubling the amount of THC per can.

Consumption of hemp drinks can cause impairment. Some of the effects might include, but are not limited to:

• Slow reaction time
• Distorted perception and motor skills
• Impaired coordination

Even though hemp drinks are marketed as an “alternative”, they can still produce intoxicating effects. Unlike cannabis, which can only be sold in licensed dispensaries in legalized states, hemp products are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. As a result, these products are not strictly regulated, meaning they are widely available in gas stations and grocery stores. Additionally, the colorful packaging and variety of flavors may increase consumer risk, especially to younger consumers. The lack of regulation raises concerns about safety, product consistency, and potential misuse.

The effect of consuming hemp drinks is similar to the effect of consuming alcoholic beverages. It’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Don’t drink hemp and drive
• Don’t drink if pregnant or nursing
• Consult a physician about medications before consuming
• Consuming may cause failure of a drug test

Think smart. Treat hemp drinks like alcohol and proceed with caution.

The Tulsa Health Department Regional Prevention Coordinator focuses on preventing underage drinking, binge drinking, impaired driving, and other substance misuse in our community.

The post What you need to know about hemp drinks appeared first on Tulsa Health Department.

The What We Grow Through series is divided into two sessions and it is designed to bring awareness about how life experiences can impact our health and behavior. The series will also touch on what we can do to apply that understanding to support growth. Both sessions take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Tulsa Health Department North Regional Health and Wellness Center, 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Participation in both sessions is encouraged:

• Thursday, June 4 | How Early Experiences Shape us
• Thursday, June 11 | From Understanding to Action

“As public health providers, we have to look beyond behaviors to understand why some health issues happen,” said Tish Dehart, MS, LCSW, IMH-E®, child guidance program manager. “We wanted to host this series not only to help participants understand how early experiences can shape our life, but also to provide the community with resources once we understand how those experiences relate to our health.”

Each session of the series will feature a presentation and offer resources for the participants. The first session will focus on learning how childhood experiences influence emotional, social and physical development across the lifespan, and why those early foundations matter for overall well-being. The second session will explore practical ways to use insights into life experiences and behavior to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and support positive changes in everyday life.

This series will not provide childcare. Spots are limited and registration is required to attend.

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The post Tulsa Health Department to Host ACEs Educational Series appeared first on Tulsa Health Department.

What Is Chronic (Heavy) Drinking?

Chronic drinking means drinking too much alcohol over time.

The CDC defines heavy drinking as 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more drinks per week for women.

Drinking at these levels over weeks, months, or years can damage many parts of the body.

Long-Term Health Risks Include:

• Liver disease (including cirrhosis)
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Weakened immune system
• Depression and anxiety
• Memory problems
• Increased risk of certain cancers

Over time, chronic drinking can lead to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) — a medical condition where a person has trouble controlling their drinking, even when it causes harm.

What Is Binge Drinking?

In comparison with chronic drinking, binge drinking means drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time.

According to the CDC, binge drinking would be drinking 5 or more drinks in about 2 hours for men and 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours for women.

Different types of alcohol, like beer, wine, and liquor, have different amounts of alcohol in them. It is important to have a clear understanding of what a “standard drink” is. The CDC has an article about Standard Drink Sizes that explores this topic more in depth. But in summary, one “standard drink” equals:

• 12 oz beer
• 5 oz wine
• 1.5 oz liquor (80-proof)

Even if someone does not drink every day, binge drinking can still cause serious harm. Binge drinking raises blood alcohol levels quickly. This increases the risk of:

• Car crashes
• Falls and injuries
• Violence
• Risky sexual behavior
• Alcohol poisoning
• Overdose when mixed with opioids or other drugs

Alcohol-related harm is not only about death. Many people live with long-term illness, injury, or mental health challenges linked to alcohol misuse. From a public health perspective, both binge and chronic drinking place strain on families, healthcare systems, and emergency services, affecting all communities in Tulsa County.

If you or someone you know is concerned about having an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, you can visit the CDC’s Check Your Drinking quiz. This is a free online tool that helps you reflect on your drinking habits and provides personalized feedback. Early awareness can prevent bigger problems later.

Tulsa Health Department Regional Prevention Coordinator focuses on preventing underage drinking, binge drinking, impaired driving, and other substance misuse in our community.

You can also call the Epi Line at 918-595-4399 for guidance and connection to local resources. The line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The post The Difference Between Chronic and Binge Drinking and Why It Matters appeared first on Tulsa Health Department.

Fruit Categories

Fruit crops are commonly grouped into several categories. Pome fruits, such as apples and pears, produce fleshy fruit with multiple seed chambers inside. Stone fruits, including peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and cherries, contain a hard pit surrounding the seed. Other excellent backyard fruit crops include persimmons, figs, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Each type has different growing requirements, but many perform well in home landscapes when properly selected and cared for.

One of the first things new growers should understand is that fruit production takes patience. Some plants reward gardeners quickly, while others require several years before producing significant harvests. Figs and plums may begin bearing within two years, while peaches and nectarines often take about three years. Apples, pears, apricots, and pecans generally require much longer before reaching full production. Despite the wait, the long-term rewards of a productive backyard orchard are well worth the investment of time and care.

Choosing the right fruit trees

Selecting the right variety is one of the most important decisions a gardener can make. Fruit quality, flavor, harvest season, disease resistance, chilling hour requirements, pollination needs, and adaptability to local weather conditions should all be considered before planting. Fruit trees require a certain number of cold hours during winter dormancy in order to bloom and grow properly in spring. Choosing varieties adapted to Oklahoma and similar climates is essential for long-term success.

For a deeper dive about climate in Tulsa County and how to pick the right plants for your space, visit our previous blog post, Know Your Zone and Get Ready for the Spring Planting Season.

Rootstocks

Rootstocks also play a major role in backyard fruit production. A rootstock is the root system onto which a fruit variety is grafted. Rootstocks can improve cold tolerance, increase resistance to pests and soil problems, and control the mature size of the tree. Dwarfing rootstocks are especially valuable for homeowners with limited space because they allow trees to remain compact while still producing full-sized fruit. Younger, smaller trees often establish faster and experience less transplant shock than oversized trees, making healthy root systems and strong branch structure more important than overall tree height.

Pruning and training

Proper pruning and training are essential for maintaining healthy, productive fruit trees. Peach trees are commonly trained to an open-center shape that improves sunlight penetration and airflow through the canopy, while apple trees are often trained using a modified leader system. Winter is typically the best time for major pruning because trees are dormant and branch structure is easier to see.

Pruning and thinning provide several important benefits:

• Improve sunlight penetration
• Increase fruit quality
• Reduce disease pressure
• Remove damaged or diseased wood
• Maintain manageable tree size

Peach trees also benefit from fruit thinning early in the season. When too many peaches develop on the branches, fruit size suffers and limbs may break under excessive weight. Gardeners commonly thin peaches about four weeks before ripening, leaving roughly 4 to 6 inches between fruits.

Pests and other challenges

Disease and insect management are ongoing parts of fruit production. Peach leaf curl, brown rot, fire blight, spider mites, plum curculio, apple scab, and bitter rot are common challenges for backyard growers. Pears are especially vulnerable to fire blight, which can spread rapidly during warm, wet conditions. Good sanitation, proper pruning, regular monitoring, and selecting resistant varieties can greatly reduce problems.

Helpful management practices include:

• Planting disease-resistant varieties
• Pruning to improve airflow
• Cleaning up fallen fruit and leaves
• Applying preventive sprays or fungicides when needed
• Monitoring regularly for insects and disease symptoms

Where should you start?

For beginners, small fruits are often the easiest place to start. Blackberries are productive, hardy, and relatively low maintenance, adapting well to many soil types with few pest issues. Raspberries can also be rewarding, though they are more sensitive to heat and winter injury. Blueberries provide excellent flavor but require acidic soil conditions, making soil testing and sulfur applications important before planting.

Growing fruit at home takes time, planning, and consistent care, but the rewards can be substantial. A backyard orchard or berry patch can provide fresh produce, shade, beauty, and a stronger connection to the seasons. With thoughtful variety selection, proper pruning, pest management, and patience, homeowners can enjoy productive harvests from their own backyard for many years.

All the information on this blog post was graciously provided by OSU Extension – Tulsa Master Gardeners. To learn more about Tulsa Master Gardeners, visit www.tulsamastergardeners.org.

The post Grow Your Own and Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor appeared first on Tulsa Health Department.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: take the stress out of cooking so it feels doable in real life. When meals are easier to prepare, it becomes easier to stay consistent, and that’s where real, lasting change happens.

Demos are FREE to attend but space is limited. For the cooking for kids demos, children under 8 require an adult be present. To view upcoming demos or to reserve your spot, please register online at or call 918.595.4419.

Lentil Dal served with Basmati Rice and Yogurt Flatbread

Guests enjoyed a demonstration exploring bold flavors and learn to prepare budget-friendly Indian Lentil Dal, fluffy Basmati Rice, soft Yogurt Flatbread and baked pears with honey and cinnamon. These nourishing dishes were designed to keep your kitchen stress free while delivering satisfying flavor.

Creamy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

Ingredients:
• 1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp curry powder
• ½ tsp turmeric, paprika, garam masala
• Salt, pepper, ½ lime

Instructions:
1. Rinse lentils in a bowl until water runs mostly clear.
2. Finish with lime juice, taste, and adjust salt.
3.Heat oil in a pot over medium heat; cook onion 5–6 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
4. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in spices and cook 30 seconds to release flavor.
6. Add tomatoes, lentils, coconut milk, and broth; stir well.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Dal should be creamy and slightly thick; add water if too thick.

Flavor Boosting Tips:
• Add chili flakes for heat.
• Serve over rice for a balanced meal.

Fluffy Basmati Rice

Ingredients:
• 1cup basmati rice
• 1¾ cups water
• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:
1. Place rice in a bowl and rinse 2–3 times until water is less cloudy (removes excess starch).
2. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
3. In a pot, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Add rice, stir once, then immediately cover with a lid.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Turn off heat and let rice sit covered for 10 minutes (this finishes steaming).

Flavor Boosting Tips:
• Do not stir while cooking—this keeps rice fluffy.
• Add a squeeze of lemon or herbs for extra flavor.

Quick Yogurt Flatbread

Ingredients:
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Keep warm in a towel while cooking the rest.
3. Add yogurt and oil; stir until a soft dough forms (it may look slightly sticky).
4. Lightly flour a surface and knead dough 2–3 minutes until smooth.
5. Divide into 6–8 pieces and roll each into a thin circle.
6. Heat a skillet over medium heat; no oil needed.
7. Cook each piece 2–3 minutes per side until bubbles form and golden spots appear.

Flavor Boosting Tips:
• Brush with garlic butter or sprinkle herbs after cooking.
• Cook on medium heat to avoid burning.

Baked Pears with Honey & Cinnamon

Ingredients:
•3 pears (halved, seeds removed)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place pears cut-side up in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle cinnamon evenly.
4. Add small pieces of butter on top of pears.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes until pears are soft when pierced with a fork.
6. Spoon juices over pears before serving.

Flavor Boosting Tips:
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla for more flavor.

Mini Greek Pizzas and Pineapple Energy Balls

Kids had fun creating Mini Greek Pita Pizzas and rolling Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls. This hands-on class introduced fresh flavors and simple cooking skills in a fun and engaging way.

Mini Greek Pita Pizzas

Ingredients:
• Pita bread
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp oregano
• Pinch salt
• Mozzarella, feta, spinach, olives

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a tray with parchment if available.
2. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce with garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce over each pita (don’t overload).
4. Sprinkle mozzarella, then add spinach, olives, and feta.
5. Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and edges are slightly crisp.
6. Cool 2–3 minutes before serving.

Flavor Boosting Tips:
• Add red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Let kids choose toppings for engagement.

Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls

Ingredients:
• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained well)
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp peanut butter

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
2. If mixture is too wet, add a little more oats.
3. Scoop and roll into small balls using your hands.
4. Place in fridge for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
5. Store in fridge until ready to eat.

Flavor Boosting Tips:
• Add vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.

The post Simple, Nourishing and Cost-Effective Cooking appeared first on Tulsa Health Department.