We Inspect and Permit all food handlers in Pike County, Missouri for the safety of our communities.
We work hard at inspecting all local food establishments, and ensuring all measures are being taken to prepare and keep food properly. This is to keep our communities safe against food-born illnesses that can make a person extremely ill and can even cause death. Check here for the latest inspections and more.
"The food supply in the United States is among the safest in the world. However, when certain disease-causing bacteria or pathogens contaminate food, they can cause food-borne illness, often called “food poisoning.” The Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of food-borne illness annually – the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans each year. And each year, these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths." - FDA
About
Inspections
Our health inspector is in charge of ensuring all retail establishments are selling and handeling food to code.
Who gets inspected?
This is any person, business, or organization that provides or serves food directly to the consumer such as grocery stores, convenience stores, food pantries, restaurants, schools, mobile vendors, vending machines, farmer’s markets, concession stands, caterers and shelters, to name a few.
When do you need an inspection? When will you be inspected?
- When opening a new business
- Annually for permanent establishemtns
- When re-opening after a disaster such as fire, flood, etc.
- If a complaint is filed
- Change of ownership of the business
When do you need a plan review?
Plan reviews are used to ensure that the proposed design of the establishment will meet the requirements associated with the type of cuisine, number of employees, size of establishment, etc
- The construction of a new food establishment
- The conversion of an existing structure for use as a food establishment
- The remodeling of a food establishment
- A change in type of food establishment or food operation
Permits
It is required for all businesses and organizations to have an official Food Service Permit. Although there are some stipulations to who can receive a permit free of charge and who will need to pay a fee, if you plan to sell food - you need a permit.
When do you need a permit?
- New permanent food establishments must have a permit before opening.
- Permanent food establishments must renew their permit annually
- Selling at bakesales and/or farmers markets
- Seasonal establishments
- Mobile units, food trucks/tents
Who is exempt from paying permit fees?
- Non-profit organizations
- For profit organizations who are NOT selling potentially hazardous foods*.
*Potentially Hazardous Foods are Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pork steaks, Bratwurst, Potato Salad, Fish, etc… Non Hazardous foods are Kettle Corn, Cakes, Cookies, Brownies, Fruit Pies etc…
Permit Applications
Starting up a new food establishment? This is the form for you:
Payment Options:
- Online $105.00
- By Mail $100.00
Apply/pay online here. You can choose to mail in your payment at the end of this form.
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Already have a food establishment and need to renew? Here is the renewal application:
Payment Options:
- Online $105.00
- By Mail $100.00
Renew/pay online here. You can choose to mail in your payment at the end of this form.
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Planning a temporary/seasonal food service? Here is what you need to know:
These form must be filled out at least 5 days prior to event unless otherwise agreed upon. Applicants who are Non-Profits or selling Non-Hazardous foods must fill out Permit but are FREE OF CHARGE. Potentially Hazardous Foods are Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pork steaks, Bratwurst, Potato Salad, Fish, etc… Non Hazardous foods are Kettle Corn, Cakes, Cookies, Brownies, Fruit Pies etc…
For additional questions, please call our office 573-324-2111.
- Temporary Food Stand Guidelines
- Guidelines for Temporary Food Events Brochure (DHSS)
- Temporary food stand inspection report
- DOWNLOAD: Temporary Food Service Permit Application
Payment Options:
- Selling Non-Hazardous Foods - Free of charge
- 1-3 Consecutive Days - $10.00 by mail / $10.60 online
- 4-14 Consecutive Days - $25.00 by mail / $27.50 online
- Seasonal (May-Oct.) - $25.00 by mail / $27.50 online
Apply/pay online here. You can choose to mail in your payment at the end of this form.
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Other Resources
Bake Sale & Farmers Markets Resources, and Required Signs & Labels
There is no fee or permits necessary for bake sales. By law it is required that items be labeled either individually or a sign with ingredients must be displayed on the sale table. The first two links below have printable guidelines to follow. Please contact our office for additional questions.
- Reference Sign for Farmers Markets and Bake Sales
- Ingredient signs for Farmers Markets and Bake Sales
- PCHD Approved Bake Sale Individual Labels (Word)
- PCHD Approved Bake Sale Individual Labels (PDF)
- Guidelines for Farmers Markets
- Regulations for Selling Jams, Jellies, Salsa & Acidified Foods
- RFP23-01 Freeze dried products
- home-based-kitchen-food-prod-guidance aug2023
- Better Process School Information
- Selling Eggs? You need a special permit for that: Anyone who buys or sells eggs must be licensed and renew that license annually: July 1 - June 30. Learn More/Get the license >>>
National Restaurant Association Resources
- ServSafe® Manager Online Course
- ServSafe® Food Handler Program
- ServSafe® Food Handler Guide
- StateFoodSafety-Missouri Food Handlers Card Permit
- StateFoodSafety-Food Manager Certification & Training
For more information on food safety visit: FDA Foodborne Illness Information