The Office of Food Protection ensures that the foods sold to the public are wholesome and prepared and served in a sanitary environment. Its programs include activities to prevent food-borne illness outbreaks, and regulation of all food establishments to assure compliance with the Health Department regulations. The Office also administers a mandatory food safety certification program, whereby food establishments handling potentially hazardous food always have a certified manager on duty to ensure the safe handling of the food.

The Office of Environmental Engineering is responsible for inspecting water supplies, public swimming pools, child care facilities, nursing homes, and schools to prevent unsafe or unsanitary conditions.

Child care safety training is provided at no cost to all child care providers in Philadelphia to assist them in identifying and eliminating safety hazards or unsanitary conditions in their facilities.

Through the Animal Management Program, Vector Control Services coordinates with the Division of Disease Control to prevent disease or injury transmitted by animal bites.

The Philadelphia Rat Control Project, begun in late 1960s, emphasizes public education as to the factors that create rat problems, and provided direct services to clean alleys and lots and other rat harborage areas. Today, the Philadelphia Environmental Improvement Program continues that work.