FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

The Ionia County Health Department Food Program seeks to protect public health through the application of inspection and permitting activities in the areas of food service, food illness/complaint investigations, training and information resource for operators.

All fixed food service establishments are licensed annually and inspected on a routine basis. Temporary food licenses are issued for gatherings where food is prepared and served outside of a fixed food establishment in conjunction with fairs, festivals, or other short-term events. Plan reviews and pre-opening inspections are conducted for all new establishments prior to construction and for existing establishments undergoing remodeling (plan reviews and pre-opening inspections are not needed for vending machines and temporary establishments). Consultation and Food Service Manager Certification Training is also available.

• 2005 FOOD CODE AND 2000 FOOD LAW
• FOOD ILLNESS AND COMPLAINTS
• FOOD SERVICE LICENSES
• PLAN REVIEW
• MANAGER SAFETY TRAINING
• EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS
• OTHER LINKS

 

2005 FOOD CODE/FOOD LAW 2000

Michigan Food Law of 2000 - Food Law sets the licensing requirements, and adopts the 2005 FDA Model Food code by reference. The Food Law supersedes the Food Code. 

 

2005 Food Code - The Food Code makes up the majority of the requirements for the construction and operation of food establishments. There are more recent model food codes; however, Michigan Food Law adopts the 2005 Code.

MDA Fact Sheets - The fact sheets are summaries of selected topics in the food code or law. 

 FOOD ILLNESS AND COMPLAINTS

Ionia County Health Department handles the food borne illness and complaint investigations within the County. Complaints can be made in person at the office, by letter or phone. Illness believed to be caused by food or water should be promptly reported to the office to aid in the investigation.

FOOD SERVICE AND LICENSES

The Food Law sets up five license types: Fixed, Mobile Unit, Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU), Temporary and Vending. Whenever food is served to the public a food license is needed unless exempted by the food law. The exemptions cover non-profit organizations serving home prepared food such as pot lucks and bake sales. For assistance in finding which license type is best or if a license is needed for an event or facility please contact our office at (616)527-5341.

Temporary food licenses are issued for gatherings where food is prepared and served outside of a fixed establishment in conjunction with fairs, festivals, or other short-term events. Temporary food applications must be in this office 5 days before the event to avoid late application fees. Fees must be received in this office before the event.

• Food License Information (Fixed, Mobile, Vending, STFU)
• STFU Notice of Intent Form
• Temporary Food Application
• Temporary Food Checklist

FARMER'S MARKET INFORMATION

Just a quick note to let you know that the MDA has a new web page designed to help Farmers' Market operators with information about licensing and food safety requirements. The information discusses the possible need for temporary food service licenses and links to the temporary food establishment operations checklist. Click HERE for the information! An additional existing web page lists farmers' markets, farm markets, cider mills and u-pick locations around the state. Click HERE for locations.

CERTIFIED MANAGER TRAINING

• USDA Food Safety Information Center
• USDA Home Page
• FDA Home Page
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• MDA Consumer Food Information
• Main Link to MDA Food and Agribusiness
• MDA Emergency Action Plans for Retail Food Establishments
• FDA Voluntary HACCP Guide for Retail Facilities
• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network 
• Food Safety Handouts/Posters