It is required for you to review the Mobile Food Unit Information Packet and submit Appendices C and D to the Vanderburgh County Health Department BEFORE you can apply for a Mobile Food Permit. Any questions about this packet or the process can be directed to health_environmental@vanderburghcounty.in.gov.
The Food Safety Program is designed to prevent the transmission of disease and hazards from food products prepared for human consumption. This program works to ensure food safety through proper handling of food in compliance with the Indiana Food Code. The Health Department Food Section conducts inspections, plan reviews, investigations, surveys, and educational activities for restaurants, grocery stores, mobile food service units, school cafeterias, and temporary food stands throughout Vanderburgh County.
Food related questions, food permits, and plan review, should be directed by email or phone
812-435-2400, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Permits
Food permits are issued for a calendar year, and must be renewed by March 1st of each year to avoid a late fee.
Note: Plan Review and Inspections are required for new facilities, remodeling and for any change in ownership of an existing facility. You must contact the Food Section of the Health Department for Plan Review and Inspection prior to applying for a food permit 812-435-2400.
Food Permit Applications
The following are the only types of Food Permits that can be issued:
Restaurant/Tavern/School/Hospital or Caterer/Commissary Kitchens. Permanent facility.
Grocery/Bakery/Food Mart/Convenient Store. Permanent facility.
Mobile Food Unit. Travels from site to site selling food from a vehicle or cart and that must return to a commissary, restaurant, of licensed food establishment to be serviced, cleaned, storage of food, and restocking after each days use.
Temporary Food Facility. Operates for a period of no more than fourteen (14) days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. No temporary food facility may be licensed or operated except in conjunction with a transitory special event. These temporary facilities must comply with all state and local Permit requirements. Examples of Temporary Food Events:
- Festivals, Carnivals, Church and School Events.
- Circuses, Rodeos, Street Fairs and Restaurant Food Shows.
- Youth Sporting events, and Holiday Celebrations.
Vending Machines for Perishable Food. Requires refrigeration and beverages dispensed in cups. All prepackaged non-perishable foods are exempt from permit.
Snow cone, shaved ice, other seasonal food operations, and farmer’s markets.
Certification Training Classes for Food Service Employees.
Section 118 of the Indiana Retail Food Code Title 410 IAC 7-24 requires that at least one (1) person per facility has a “certified food employee”, who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.
In our area the following programs are approved but may not be limited to:
Ivy Tech offers ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification classes. This is a one day/8-hour training with examination, contact 317-673-4211, or Fax (317) 673-4210 for more info/registration with Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association.
2023/2024 One day/8-hour class with Testing
In-Person Class Dates: 11/16, 12/14, 2/20, 3/21, 4/25, 5/16, 7/25, 8/24, 10/22
Classes run from 8:00am – 5:00pm Exam Time 3:00pm
Class Location: 3501 First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710
Cost: $160.00 Class, Book & Exam
$65.00 Exam only – contact 812-429-9852 Workforce Certification Center.
If you are interested in taking the exam only outside of the classroom, the testing center charges a $45 proctor fee. Candidates are required to purchase an electronic voucher from http://www.servsafe.com/ at a cost of $36. The total cost is $81. After paying for the voucher, please call the Ivy Tech Certification and Workforce Assessment Center at 812-429-9852 to schedule the test and pay the $45 proctor fee.
Safe Food Handlers Corporation
www.sfhcorp.com offers Food Manager Certification classes. This is a one day/8-hour training with examination, or virtual class with proctored exam. For more information call 1-888-793-5136, or email sfhcorp@aol.com.
2023/2024 In-Person Class Dates: 12/01, 1/16, 2/7, 3/20, 4/4, 5,22, 6/10, 7/22, 8/7, 9/10, 10/21, 11/4, 12/9 Classes run from 8:30am – 4:30pm
Class Location: Comfort Inn 8331 East Walnut Evansville, IN 47715
Cost: $155.00 Class & Exam (with shipping)
To see a schedule of virtual classes visit www.sfhcorp.com Class times run 8am-2pm. Class size is limited.
Exam: After the class, come to one of our sites for the exam or schedule an exam online.
Cost: $80 Virtual Class
$75 Proctored In-Person Exam
$100 Proctored Online Exam
Registration: Call 888-793-5136 for more information or register on our website at www.sfhcorp.com
Hoosier Hospitality Consulting (HHC) offers ServSafe Food Protection Manager Courses, www.HoosierHospitalityConsulting.com. All attendees must be registered in advance to ensure space is available for all attendees.
Students can register via our online store or by calling directly at 317-447-4761.
2023 Class/Exam Dates: July 27, October 2
Classes begin at 8:00am CST & run until 4:00pm with the exam session beginning at approximately 4:30pm
Class Location: Courtyard by Marriott located at 8105 E Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47715
**Costs:
$205.32 Class, Exam & Textbook
$129.66 Class & Exam (no Textbook)
$65.00 Exam only at 4:00pm Exam
$180.00 Online Class with 4:00pm Exam Session
**These prices are approximate and should be checked against those on the HHC website.
Grease Trap/Interceptor Information
The following information regarding grease traps/interceptors is for all food facilities in Evansville and Vanderburgh County. This is not all inclusive but the information will help answer some questions about the requirements for grease traps in food establishments and food markets.
