Food Protection

Chief Food Specialist

Christa worked at the Harrison County Health Department as an Environmental Health Specialist from 2018 through 2021. In February, 2025, we were happy to have her back, and as Chief Food Specialist, she will inspect all food establishments, as well as public pools and tattoo/microblading/eyelash extension facilities.  If you have questions or concerns about a facility, give Christa a call or drop her an email message.

RENEW FOOD PERMIT/ SUBMIT A COMPLAINT HERE

2025 Food Permit renewal

• Print application
• Fill in
• Mail back to our offices with payment

Click Here to submit a food complaint

Start Here for Information You Need to Know

• Fee Schedule
• Indiana Food Code (Title 410 IAC 7-26) - effective April 16, 2025
• Food Safety Certification Classes
• Food Manager Certification Rule + FAQ
• Indiana State Dept. of Health (ISDH) - Food Protection home page
• How to start a food business - Info from the ISDH
• New food business - submission of plans to the Health Department is REQUIRED! Also required for remodeled food businesses and/or new owners
• So you want to open a food service establishment? - brochure
• So you want to open a coffee shop? - brochure
• Can I use my home kitchen for a food business? - brochure
• Requirements for caterers - brochure
• Variance requests and notices

Harrison County Local Food Ordinances

• Civil Penalties (fines) (2004-11)
• Grading and Placards (2025-8)
• Visors (2012-10)

Temporary and Mobile Food Establishments

• Temporary food vendor application and 5-page information packet IMPORTANT!
• IMPORTANT! - Requirements for Temporary Food Booths (brochure) All Temporary Food Booths Must Follow These Requirements!
• Food safety at temporary events (fairs, festivals, etc.) - brochure
• Food Safety for Volunteers and Non-Profit Groups - brochure
• Mobile unit application
• Temporary vs. Mobile vs. Retail Food Establishments...What's the Difference? brochure
• Basic Requirements to Operate a Mobile Food Establishment (food truck, pushcart) - brochure
• Hot dog cart / mobile grill requirements - brochure
• Considering a hot dog cart/pushcart/mobile unit? Questions to consider first!
• Equipment Requirements for Mobile Units (sinks, plumbing, ventilation, overhead cover, etc.) IMPORTANT!
• Commissary Requirements - brochure IMPORTANT!
• Commissary Agreement
• IMPORTANT! Handwashing/dishwashing information sheet if no running water at temporary event
• IMPORTANT! Regarding floor, walls, roof in temporary food booths

Farmer's Market Vendors

• FAQ for Home Based Vendors (from IN Dept of Health)
• pH of fruits that are acceptable for jam/jelly made by home based vendors (HBVs)
• Indiana State Egg Board - information and applications for egg sellers
• On-Farm Poultry or Rabbit Processing (with information about eggs) - Brochure
• Slaughter of Livestock and Poultry for Food
• Food Safety at Farmer's Markets - brochure
• For Home Based Vendors (HBVs) - brochure
• May I Produce, Can and Sell my Super-Delicious (fill in the blank) at a Farmer's Market? - brochure
• Can I sell it at a farmer's market?
• Guidance for honey producers
• Guidance for maple syrup producers
• Guidance for selling pet food and treats in Indiana
• Licensing application for selling pet food/treats in Indiana
• Pet Food - References
• Labeling Homemade Soaps and Lotions for sale - brochure

Other Helpful Information

• Safe cooking temperatures
• When it comes to convenience food, remember to cook it safe!
• Food safety & power outages
• Can you re-freeze food that has thawed? - brochure
• Summer Food Safety - brochure
• You think it might be food poisoning?
• Recalls / advisories from the ISDH (IN State Dept of Health)
• Recalls from the FDA (Food & Drug Administration)
• Recalls from the USDA (US Department of Agriculture)
• Handwashing poster #1 (yellow)
• Handwashing poster #2 (blue)
• It's not illegal for a store to sell food that's past its expiration date?!
• NEW! Information about service animals, restaurants, and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Questions?

Call 812-738-3237, Option 3