Published: September 12, 2008 11:35 pm      

9-13 OKC watch

State to enforce

food code at fair

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City-County Health Department will enforce the Oklahoma Food Code in addition to food safety regulations designed specifically for Oklahoma State Fair food vendors.

There are about 150 contracted food vendors for this year’s fair which translates into well more than 750 food handlers. In addition to the traditional favorites, some new menu items, including BBQ bacon cheddar burgers, chicken parmesan sandwiches and chicken ranch wrap, will be introduced.

Some of the changes in the code prevent the wearing of jewelry except for a plain wedding-type band and hot foods must now be held at an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above after cooking.

Fairgoers wanting to file a food related complaint may come directly to the OCCHD booth at the State Fair’s Safety Center Building or may call the temporary complaint hotline at

370-7904.

Court refuses to block

tax amnesty program

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma taxpayers who owe interest and penalties on back state taxes can pay off their debt to the state without penalty beginning Monday.

In a one-sentence decision on Friday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled against Jerry Fent, an Oklahoma City attorney who filed a lawsuit challenging what he called an unconstitutional tax amnesty program.

The ruling permits the “Clean Slate ‘08” program to go forward, waiving all penalties, interest and collection fees on state taxes through Nov. 14 of this year.

Taxes eligible for the program include individual and business income, sales and use, withholding, franchise, mixed beverage and gasoline and diesel.