Howard County Retail Food Safety Program

On Apr. 8, 2025, the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Food Protection Division adopted 410 IAC 7-26, the Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements. Upon this adoption, 410 IAC 7-24 was repealed. All changes to regulations will continue to be communicated to facilities as food inspectors conduct inspections, through our partner trade associations, and on official websites. Please refer to the Indiana Department of Health webpage for additional information.

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 retail food 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. Home-Based Vendors are required to have Certified Food Protection Manager certification.

Retail Food Permits

View information about each of the retail food permit and establishment types by clicking through the tabs below.

Annual/Seasonal Food Permits
Temporary Food Permits
Mobile Food Establishments
New Food Establishments

Annual/Seasonal Food Permits

Annual Food Permits for permanent locations expire on January 31^st of each year. Complete the Annual Food Permit Application, pay the associated fee, and submit it to our office to renew your Annual Food Permit prior to January 31^st of each year.

Seasonal Food Permits can be for permanent or mobile food establishments. A Seasonal Food Permit is issued for up to 180 consecutive days and can be purchased at any time throughout the year. Complete the Seasonal Food Permit Application, pay the associated fee, and submit it to our office during business hours.

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 during office hours at least one week prior to the first day of operation.

Mobile Food Establishments

Mobile Food Establishments can only purchase a seasonal and/or temporary food permit.

A new Mobile Food Establishment seeking a retail food permit must complete a Plan Review Packet, along with the Mobile Food Permit Application or Temporary Food Permit Application, pay the associated fees, and submit it to our office during business hours. For more information about mobile food establishment requirements, please refer to Food Code 410 IAC 7-26.

New Food Establishments

To certify a new food establishment, a Plan Review Packet, along with the Annual Food Permit Application or Seasonal Food Permit Application, and associated fees, must be submitted for any and all of the following:

New construction of a Retail Food Establishment (at least 30 days prior to construction or intent to operate)
The conversion of an existing structure
The remodeling of an existing structure
Change of menu type (if the Howard County Health Department determines that plans and specifications are necessary to ensure compliance)

Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)

Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) (formerly known as "Certified Food Handler") certification is required for 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.

RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT RESOURCES

Food Permit and Plan Review Applications

Food Safety Checklists

OTHER RESOURCES

Codes and Ordinances

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tara Walker

____________________________________
Environmental Health Specialist

environmental@howardcountyin.gov

Howard County Health Department
120 E Mulberry St Room #210
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: 765-456-2407
Fax: 765-456-2417

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:00pm

Emily Shoemaker

____________________________________
Environmental Health Specialist

environmental@howardcountyin.gov

Howard County Health Department
120 E Mulberry St Room #210
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: 765-456-2019
Fax: 765-456-2417

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:00pm

Janelle Hunley

____________________________________
Environmental Health Specialist

environmental@howardcountyin.gov

Howard County Health Department
120 E Mulberry St Room #210
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: 765-456-1855
Fax: 765-456-2417

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:00pm