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FOOD SANITATION PROGRAM
The goal of the Food Sanitation Program is to protect citizens from contracting and transmitting foodborne diseases and to educate food service operators and consumers about safe food handling practices.
Routine inspections are unannounced and based upon the food handling activities of each establishment. Category 1 receives 3 inspections per year, Category 2 receives 2 inspections per year, and Category 3 receives 1 inspection per year.
Complaints are investigated within seven working days. Foodborne illness, fire, and other disaster investigations are conducted immediately. Consultations and in-services are provided upon request. Plan reviews are conducted within ten working days after proper information is submitted to the department.
We Are Now Offering an ANSI Approved Food Protection Manager Course On-Line and Offering In-Person Exams (With Proof of Completion of Any ANSI Approved Course).
Plan Review Information
Before a health permit is issued, every new or extensively remodeled facility must undergo a plan review process. The purpose of a plan review is to verify that the structure, equipment, proposed menu and food handling are safe and in compliance with the food code. A well designed facility will have sanitation built in and assist in preventing foodborne illness, which is the ultimate goal. If you are new to the food and beverage business, please review our guidance on opening a business to sale food and/or beverage.
Remember to contact this Department early into your process, we are here to assist in avoiding any unexpected pitfalls and help you navigate the food code for any situation. We can be a great resource!
The plan review process Retail Food Establishment:
1) Submit the Retail Food Establishment Plan Review Application with plan review fee.
2) A plan review will be conducted.
3) You will receive notification of plans being approved or changes required.
4) At any time, we would be happy to conduct an on-site visit to see progress.
5) A fully completed health permit application is submitted and fee paid.
6) Your health permit will only be issued after your health permit application has been completed and a pre-operational inspection is conducted.
The plan review process Mobile Food Establishment:
1) Submit the Mobile Food Establishment Plan Review Application with plan review fee.
2) You may need these additional forms: City Notification Form, Commissary Agreement Form, Itinerary & Operating Schedule, Restroom Agreement Form
3) A plan review will be conducted.
4) You will receive notification of plans being approved or changes required.
5) At any time, we would be happy to conduct an on-site visit to see progress.
6) A fully completed health permit application is submitted and fee paid.
7) Your health permit will only be issued after your health permit application has been completed and a pre-operational inspection is conducted.
Plans must be approved by this department before construction or remodeling can begin. Health permits are not transferable from one owner to another nor is a permit transferable to any location, building, or place other than that which it was originally issued. Please contact this department at (618) 296-6079 for any remodeling to determine if a plan review is required.
Retail Food Establishment Plan Review Application
Mobile Food Establishment Plan Review Application
** UPDATED **
Temporary Food Service Establishment
A Temporary Food Service Establishment is a food establishment that operates at a fixed location for a period of time not more than fourteen (14) consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. Every food stand operating at a temporary event is required to obtain a Temporary Food Service Sanitation Permit. Click below to download the application form and guidelines for temporary events. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Health division at (618) 296-6079.
- UPDATED 2023: Event Coordinator Form (to be completed by the event coordinator only and returned to MCHD)
- Temporary Food Service Application Form
- Temporary Food Service Guidelines
- Temporary Food Service Guidelines In Spanish
The Health Department is now offering a 45 minute Temporary Food Service Safety Class to assist food vendors in handling food safely at temporary events held in Madison County. The goal of this class is to provide an additional opportunity to ensure that individuals handling, preparing and serving food have the basic knowledge and skills to minimize potential hazards. If you would like us to present to your group or vendors, please contact (618) 296-6079.
Cottage Food Operation Act
Cottage Food Vendor Registration. To register please send the following items:
RETURN THIS TO MCHD: Application for Cottage Food Operations Registration
Provide copies of all labels of the foods you will be selling. (see the Cottage Food Guide on what the label should include.) MCHD will provide the registration number after you submit all the other paperwork.
Provide a copy of your Food Protection Manager Certification.
If you are doing salsas or fermented foods addition paperwork is required and listed below:
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NEW: Hazard Analysis Chart (SAMPLE Hazard Analysis Chart)
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NEW: Food Safety Plan for Acidified and Fermented Foods
The amended Cottage Food Operation Act became effective in Illinois on January 1, 2022. The Act requires Cottage Food Operations to register with local health departments before selling products to the public at a Farmers Market as well as other various locations. The new registration form and updated informational handouts from the Illinois Department of Public Health are below. The food service sanitation class list and a copy of the entire Act are posted below. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Health Division at (618) 296-6079.
Cottage Food Resources
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GREAT RESOURCE!! --> Cottage Food Guide
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Food Service Sanitation Class List
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Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act(410 ILCS 625)
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Farmers Market Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate Information
- U of I Extension Recorded Webinar 2022
- U of I Extension Information Sheet on Cottage Food
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U of I Extension Contacts:
Mary Liz Wright (maryliz@illinois.edu)
Jenna Smith (jesmith6@illinois.edu)
Nutrition and Wellness Educator
Serving Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties
Nutrition and Wellness Educator
Serving Clark, Crawford and Edgar Counties
Food Allergy Awareness Notice
PA101-0495 amended the Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act, adding section 3.08 Food Allergy Awareness, effective August 23, 2019. For the IDPH "Notice to Consumers" sign, or for more information please see the links below:
Illinois Food Code Changes
In 2016, the Illinois Department of Public Health repealed the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code, and adopted the FDA 2017 Model Food Code. The Madison County Health Department began January 1, 2019 using the FDA Food Code. Changes in the new food code will affect operating procedures for all Madison County food service establishments. Some of the changes include the following (any policies provided below are examples and facilities may use either these or create their own):
- Person In Charge (PIC)
- Vomit and Diarrhea Clean Up Policy
- Employee Illness Notification
- Employee Health
- Parasite Destruction (raw fish)
- CDC Vomit and Diarrheal Event Clean Up Poster
- Handwashing Poster Example 1
- Handwashing Poster Example 2
- Handwashing Poster Example 3
Restaurant and Non-Restaurant Employee Training Information
According to the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625), any food handler working in Illinois, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC) must have the appropriate, required training. All food handlers working in restaurants shall have training completed by July 1, 2014. Enforcement will be limited to notification and education from July 1-December 31, 2014. All food handlers working in non-restaurants shall have training completed by July 1, 2016. Enforcement will be limited to notification and education from July 1-December 31, 2016.
For more information please click on the links provided:
- Food Handler FAQ
- Food Handler Training Program Application Registration
- ANSI Accredited Food Handler Classes
- Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act(410 ILCS 625)
Food Safety Newsletters
PDF Downloads & Resources

- Food Recalls
- IDPH Food Allergy Sign
- Food Sanitation Ordinance
- FDA 2017 Food Code
- Food Service Inspection Scores
- Boil Order Guidelines for Food Service Establishments
- Boil Order for Residents
- Cooking Temperatures For Potentially Hazardous Foods
- Cooling Procedures
- Date Marking for Ready-to-Eat Potentially Hazardous Food
- Direct Hand Contact With Ready-To-Eat-Foods
- Dishwashing Procedures
- Food Safety Guidelines For Community Dinners
- Food Safety and Inspection Service Recall Information Center
- Food Service Sanitation Class List
- Handwashing
- Residential Power Outage
- Restaurant Power Outage
- Temperature Chart
- Temperature Logs
- Open Air Dining Information
- Latex Glove Ban
- How to Report a Foodborne Illness