Food Protection
Our Food Protection Program is dedicated to protecting the health of the public by regulating and inspecting Howard County’s 450+ Retail Food Establishments. This includes restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, schools, assisted living facilities, temporary food establishments, and mobile/seasonal food establishments.
A permit is required whenever food is provided directly to a consumer who is a member of the general public. The permit is valid only for the person to whom it is issued, subject to issue and expiration dates, and is not transferrable. Please refer to the Howard County Retail Food Establishment Ordinance for further important information here.
Exclusions: Home-Based Vendors and some organizations are exempt, find more information about home-based vendors and organizational exemptions here).
Types of food permits:
- Annual/Seasonal Food Permits (mobile food establishments can only purchase seasonal and/or temporary food permits)
- Temporary Food Permits
Annual/Seasonal Food Permits
- Annual Food Permits for permanent locations expire on January 31st of each year. Complete the Annual/Seasonal Food Permit Application, pay the associated fee, and submit it to our office to renew your Annual Food Permit prior to January 31st of each year. New establishments: A Plan Review Packet, along with the Annual/Seasonal Food Permit Application and associated fees, must be submitted for new construction of a Retail Food Establishment (at least 30 days prior to construction or intent to operate), the conversion of an existing structure, or the remodeling of an existing structure or change of Menu type if the Howard County Health Department determines that plans and specifications are necessary to ensure compliance.
(Menu type information in Appendix A of Food Code PDF under Application and Additional Information heading)
- Seasonal Food Permits can be for permanent or mobile food establishments. A Seasonal Food Permit is issued for up to180 consecutive days. Complete the Annual/Seasonal Food Permit Application, pay the associated fee, and submit it to our office.
- Mobile Food Establishments can only purchase a seasonal and/or temporary food permit. A new Mobile Food Establishment seeking a seasonal permit must complete a Plan Review Packet, along with the Annual/Seasonal Food Permit Application, pay the associated fees, and submit it to our office. For more information about mobile food establishment requirements, please refer to Food Code 410 IAC 7-24 here.
*Links to the food permit application, the fee ordinance, the plan review packet, and the Food Code PDF:
Annual/Seasonal Food Permit Application
Food Code 410 IAC 7-24
Temporary Food Permits
Temporary Food Permits are issued for a period of up to 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration in one location. Complete the Temporary Food Permit Application, pay the associated fee, and submit it to our office at least one week prior to the first day of operation.
*Links to the temporary food permit application and the fee ordinance:
Temporary Food Permit Application
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification is required at food establishments, including temporary and/or mobile establishments, depending on the food prepared/served. Please refer to the Indiana Department of Health website for further information on Food Manager Certification Examination and Training Program Providers here.
Exclusions to Certified Food Protection Manager certification can be found here.
For more information about Home-Based Vendors, please refer to the Indiana Department of Health website here. Home-Based Vendors are required to have Certified Food Protection Manager certification.