From Logan County Department of Public Health

Summer food event permit requirements

[May 17, 2013]  With warmer weather approaching, many groups or organizations will have public functions that include preparing or serving food on a temporary basis. The Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code classifies temporary food service operations as food establishments that must comply with state food sanitation regulations.

This means that any temporary food establishment that prepares or serves food for public consumption, regardless of whether there is a fee for the food or not, is to be regulated by local health authorities. This does not include family gatherings or potlucks.

Logan County has adopted the state code by ordinance, and the health department is tasked with the regulatory authority for such temporary food establishments to help protect the public and educate food service workers.

To help achieve compliance, the health department asks that anyone planning to operate a temporary food establishment or prepare food for the public on a temporary basis, regardless of duration, complete and submit application paperwork to the department at least five working days prior to operation.

Temporary establishments operating for only one day will be asked only to complete and submit an "Application for Temporary Food Establishment Non-Licensed Event" form and checklist. There is no inspection or fee associated with the application, and the health department will review this in advance of the event to provide assurance that operators will adhere to proper food safety measures.

Temporary food establishments operating more than one day must complete an "Application for Temporary Permit" and submit this to the health department prior to the event. There is a graduated fee starting at $45 for a permit to operate a two- to three-day establishment, and the health department will need to conduct an opening inspection at the start of operations.

In addition, according to the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code and Logan County ordinance, it is unlawful to prepare food for public consumption from a private home or non-regulated kitchen. If you would like to prepare or serve food to the public and are interested in starting your own food establishment business, you are urged to first contact the health department at 217-735-2317 to seek assistance in assuring you are in compliance with Illinois and Logan County regulations.

Each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. The Logan County Department of Public Health strives to prevent foodborne illness and ensure that the public enjoys events including food.

For additional information regarding requirements, contact the health department or visit www.lcdph.org. The website also contains useful food safety information and printable forms for your convenience.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]