Food Safety Program
The purpose of the Knox County Food Safety Program is to identify, reduce, and -whenever possible- eliminate factors in food service operations which have the potential to create food borne illness.
The Food Safety Program focuses on prevention and enforcement by conducting unannounced inspections, licensing of facilities, and providing educational programs.
Food Establishment Information
In accordance with the Knox County Food Safety Ordinance, restaurants and retail food services are subject to licensing, certification for food service sanitation managers, routine inspections, and facility plan reviews.
For a list of FSSMC classes in the area, please contact the Knox County Health Department.
Temporary Food Establishments
Temporary Food Establishments are designated as food services facilities that operate at a fixed location for a period of time, not more than seven consecutive days.
Please fill out the temporary food permit application and return to the health department AT LEAST two days before your event to avoid the late fee. Temporary food permits can be emailed, faxed, or mailed to the health department. Permits must be kept onsite and displayed at the location during the duration of serving.
Complaint Investigation
Please direct complaints to the Environmental Health Department, 309-344-2224
Rules & Law
- Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act
- Knox County Food Safety Ordinance
- IL Food Service Sanitation Code
Additional Information & Education
- Boil Order Information
- Proper Cooking Temperatures
- Preventing Cross-contamination Using Proper Storage
- Hand Washing Poster
- Food Service Self-Inspection Form
- Intro to Food Safety Workbook
- Grease Removal Log
- Person In Charge (PIC) / Certified Food Manager Quiz
Online Food Handler Course
- www.statefoodsafety.com
Courses offered in: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and ASL
- www.efoodhandlers.com
Courses offered in: English, Spanish
- www. safewayclasses.com
Courses offered in: English, Spanish, Chinese, Mandarin
- www.premierfoodsafety.com
- www.servsafe.com
Courses offered in: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese
Courses offered in: English, Spanish
Farmer’s Markets & Cottage Food
A Farmer’s Market is a common area where two or more farmers gather to sell fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally produced farm and food products directly to consumers.
Cottage Food
A cottage food vendor is a person who produces or packages non-potentially hazardous food in a kitchen of that person's primary domestic residence for direct sale by the owner or a family member, stored in the residence where the food is made.
Other Foods At Farmer’s Market and Laws
Please note, while you may have obtained a meat broker’s license, you are required to obtain a Knox County Food Establishment License as well.
Online Trainings
Food Allergen Training
Certified Food Service Sanitation Manager
All food service establishments as defined in Section 750.10, except Category III facilities, shall be under the operational supervision of a certified food service sanitation manager. Category I facilities as defined in Section 750.10 shall have a certified food service sanitation manager on the premises at all times that potentially hazardous food is being handled. Category II facilities as defined in Section 750.10 shall employ a minimum of one full-time certified food service sanitation manager at each establishment.
FDA Food Code Information
As we plan to implement the FDA Model Food Code, please check our site frequently for up to date information and printable handouts.
