Food Establishments
(Section 2-102.20 of the Idaho Food Code)
Beginning July 1, 2018, at least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a Certified Food Protection Manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.
An accredited food protection manager must meet the following criteria:
- Have supervisory authority to direct and control food preparation activities.
- Have supervisory authority to correct food safety violations.
- Have successfully completed one of the nationally accredited food safety examinations.
- The certified food protection manager does not need to be present but be available.
** The State of Idaho does not endorse any one particular course.
- Permit and inspect all regulated food establishment.
- Review plans for new and remodeled food establishments.
- Help and answer any food related questions the public may have.
- Investigate food complaints and take corrective action if needed.
- Offer online training videos and a link to the Health and Welfare State Food Safety Test.
- Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) requires food establishments to receive approval of plans and specifications prior to obtaining a food license. The following establishments will be required to submit plans and specifications for approval prior to starting operations: new food establishment, remodeled establishment, or an establishment that is changing food operations (fast food to full service).
- One full set of plans and specifications must be submitted to SIPH at a minimum of thirty (30) days before the date planned for opening (Idaho Food Code 8-302.11). Mobile food units must also comply with this requirement. Mobile food units that can establish that they were licensed by another Idaho Health District are exempt since the establishment had prior approval. The applicant for a license must be the legal owner or the agent of the legal owner of the food establishment.
- SIPH prefers both the plan review and application for a food permit be submitted and all fees paid at the same time.
- Information needed for Food Establishment License application:
- Name and mailing address of the applicant
- The type of food establishment planned (mobile unit, restaurant, retail store, etc.)
- Name of the establishment
- Mailing address and location of the establishment
- The signatures of the individuals comprising the legal ownership or the agent of the legal owner
- A copy of the menu
- A copy of the establishment plans, including:
- Floor plan
- Plumbing schedule
- Mechanical plans
- Equipment list with the make and model specifications
- Food Establishment Permit Applications
- Processor
- Temporary
- Intermittent
Separate approvals:
Contact the local building, fire, plumbing and electrical department for their requirements. If alcohol beverages are to be sold, contact the Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau (Idaho Department of Law Enforcement) for approval.
- The required plans, specifications and information requested by SIPH have been reviewed and approved
- The properly completed application has been submitted and license fee receipted
- A preoperational inspection has been completed
- A renewal application and license fee must be submitted by December 1st of each year for the forthcoming year which starts January 1st.