Food Inspections

The following is assessed during a food inspection:
>  Menu
>  Demonstration of knowledge requirements
>  Food (temperature, procedures, etc.)
>  Personnel (handwashing, employee health, etc.)
>  Warewashing (manual & mechanical dishwashing)
>  Plumbing (restrooms, water pressure, etc.)
>  Equipment (maintenance, cleanliness, location, etc.)
>  Other (pest control, license maintained, smoking violations, etc.)

Follow-up rechecks are conducted on all establishments for priority and priority foundation items that can not be corrected at the time of inspection.

 

The State of Iowa is now following the 2009 Food Code book.  For the entire document click here.

All restaurants, mobile units, and temporary food establishments now use the same application.  The application must be filled out, and returned to LCHD 3-4 weeks prior to the opening or event with payment.  For the application click here.

Downloadable Licenses

Farmers Market License Application

Food Establishment & Mobile Food License Application

Home Food Application

Temporary License Application - Iowa

Temporary License Regulations

Temporary Pre-event Self-Inspection Checklist

Vending Application

Additional Information
>  Nonprofit Organization Chart  
     Guidelines for Farmers Market Licenses
     Food Establishment Farmers Market.pdf
>  Hand Washing Procedures 
      Hand Washing Procedures.pdf

Additional Links
Iowa Department of Inpections & Appeals   
www.food.iowa.com

 
The restaurant inspections website can be accessed through DIA's home page at www.state.ia.us/government/dia/ and then by clicking on the "Food and Consumer Safety" navigation button.  Then click on "Restaurant Inspection website" - which contains reports on nearly all the state's 20,373 food establishments, including restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores.  Inspections conducted at Iowa-licensed hotels and motels, too, are available through the website.  Once users have accessed the 'Informed Dining' website, they can see copies of the reports from inspections conducted by DIA or one of its contracting health departments.