The Environmental Health Division conducts the Food Service and Retail Food Sanitation Program. The purpose of the program is to prevent food borne illness and to educate food service operators and consumers about safe food handling practices.
The Environmental Health staff conducts unannounced inspections based on risk assessment.
- Class III establishments are fraternal organizations, seasonal operations, and bars or gas stations or preschools with only prepackaged foods. These facilities are inspected a minimum of one (1) time per year.
- Class II establishments such as Subway®, gas stations with food preparation, retail grocery stores, and bars serving frozen pizza are inspected a minimum of two (2) times per year. Class II establishments are required to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on site during all hours of food preparation and service.
- Class I establishments such as hospitals, large restaurants, caterers, senior nutrition centers, schools and facilities with complex food preparation are inspected a minimum of three (3) times per year. Class I establishments are required to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on site during all hours of food preparation and service.
- Temporary food events that are 2 or more consecutive days or 1-day events held numerous times throughout the year by the same organization are also permitted and inspected. The fee for a temporary food event is $25.00. This permit is valid for 10 consecutive days.
Click here for FAQs for Cottage Food Operators in Macoupin County
Click here for Application for License to Operate a Food Establishment
Click here for Temporary Event Application
Click here for Requirements For Opening
Click here for Cottage Food Operations Requirements
Click here for Cottage Food Operator Application
Click here for List of Potentially Hazardous Foods
Food Safety Classes
Please review the 410 ILCS 625 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act for information about the requirements of a Certified Food Protection Manager in a food service establishment setting. According to Sec. 3, “Each food establishment shall be under the operational supervision of a certified food service sanitation manager in accordance with rules promulgated under this Act.”
Food Handlers classes and Allergen Awareness classes are offered online through many different ANSI approved providers. Click on the link below for a list of ANSI accredited programs:
The Food Protection Manager Course is an in-person or online. This is an 8-hour course with a proctored exam at the end. A few examples of online courses are provided below. Please note, additional courses can be found by doing a Google search for “ANSI Accredited Certified Food Protection Manager Courses.” Illinois requires the course to be accredited through an ANSI Accredited Institute.
Illinois Food Manager Online Training
Illinois Food Service Safety Certification Training
Illinois Food Protection Manager Certification Exam
Complaints and Consultations
The number of complaints and consultations from the public shows they are more aware of food safety issues and they want their concerns addressed in a timely manner.
- All complaints and possible food borne illness cases are investigated.
- Emergencies such as fires, floods, and loss of power are responded to immediately.
- The Environmental Health Division will review plans for new or remodeling establishments.
- Re-inspections and consultations are also conducted.
- In-services are provided to restaurants upon request or on an as needed basis.
Macoupin County Public Health Department (MCPHD) takes all food facility complaints seriously. It is the goal of MCPHD to work with facilities and the community to ensure the health and safe food service of facilities to the customers they serve. Typically, Food Illness complaints are inspected within 48 hours from receipt. In addition to the information provided to MCPHD through your complaint, MCPHD staff will be contacting you to discuss a food history as well as symptoms and to discuss any medical care received.
Complaints are separated into two categories:
- Food Illness Complaints: Complaints fall into this category if you feel that eating something from a particular facility has resulted in a food illness.
- General Facility Complaints: Complaints fall into this category if you have concerns about a general practice or policy of a facility.
To Make a Facility Complaint
To file a complaint, please call 217-839-4111 or 217-710-9113. Please provide us with the name and address of the facility, a description of the complaint and the date it was observed. If you want to be contacted, please include your name and phone number.
If you have questions regarding this program please contact the Environmental Health Division at 217-839-4111.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) periodically announces food alerts and recalls related to the state of Illinois. Those alerts can be found here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/food-safety
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over recalls involving food, pet and farm animal feed on a national level. Those recalls can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects and regulates meat, poultry products, and eggs on a national level. Their recalls and alerts can be found here: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls