Food Service Establishments

The City of Columbia is committed to providing public health services that prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, promote healthy behaviors, prevent injuries and illness, assure the quality and accessibility of health services, monitor the health of the population, provide social services and promote and protect civil rights.

Food Service Establishments

What is a food service establishment?

Facilities with a fixed location (restaurants, bars, etc.)
Mobile food vendors
Temporary food vendors
Processors

What do I have to do to open/remodel an establishment?

Contact the Health Department well in advance to discuss guidelines
Inspection fees and business license fees must be paid for all "for profit" operations
Provide a complete set of plans to the Health Department and have them approved before construction begins
Plans should include:
- a detailed equipment layout and equipment list
- plumbing diagram
- finish schedule
- lighting information
- equipment elevations, if available
More information

How often are establishments inspected?

2-3 times per year, depending on the complexity of the establishment

What does an inspection involve?

Inspections focus on critical items such as temperature control, personnel hygiene practices, chemical storage, food sources, food quality, water supply, and waste disposal
Non-critical items such as condition of equipment, floors, walls and ceilings, and non-critical food handling and storage procedures are reviewed

What do the inspection results mean?

Inspection results are shown as critical and non-critical violations
An inspection with 10 or more critical items, OR, 25 or more non-critical items, OR, a combination of 30 critical & non-critical items results in the operating permit being suspended

What is required of food service employees?

Food handler's certificate within 30 days of employment
The Health Department teaches a food handlers course 4 times a month
Cost is $10
The certificate must be renewed every 3 years

What is required of food service managers?

Food manager's certificate within 60 days of employment
Certificate can only be obtained after successfully completing an approved food manager's course
Costs $10
The certificate must be renewed every 5 years

Return to the Environmental Health Division Homepage or return to the Columbia/Boone County Health Department Homepage