From the Logan County Department of Public Health
Temporary food establishment safety

[May 30, 2014]  LINCOLN - With warmer weather approaching, many groups or organizations will be holding public functions which include the preparing and/or serving of food at temporary food stands. The Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code classifies temporary food service operations as food establishments which must comply with state food sanitation regulations. This means any temporary food establishment that prepares and/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 (5) 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 $45.00 for a permit to operate a 2-3 multiple-day establishment and the health department will need to conduct an opening inspection at the start of operations.

In addition, per 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 and/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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) experience food borne illness. Of those, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of food borne diseases. The Logan County Department of Public Health strives to prevent food borne illness and is counting on your cooperation this summer to help create a safe foodservice environment.

If you would like additional information regarding temporary food requirements, you can contact the department or log onto their website at www.lcdph.org  The website also contains useful food safety information and printable forms for your convenience.

[Text received; MARK HILLIARD, LOGAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH]