Food Service Guidelines
Permanent Food Services
When a Permanent Food Service Establishment is constructed or is extensively remodeled, or when an existing structure is converted for use as a food service establishment, properly prepared plans and specifications for such remodeling or alteration shall be submitted to the Environmental Health Division of the Department of Planning & Protective Services prior to the beginning of construction. The plans and specifications should illustrate the layout, arrangement, and construction materials of work areas and the location, size, and type of fixed equipment.
Application for a Food Establishment
Construction Guidelines for Food Establishment
Employee Safety Guidelines:
- Employee Smoking
- Sick Employee
- Employee Handwashing
- Employee Jewelry and Accessories
- Bare Hand Contact and Glove Use
- Employee Hair Restraint
Educational Information for Permanent Establishments:
Temporary Food Services
Temporary Food Services such as barbecues, concession stands, special dinners, and other various food service events must obtain an operating permit from the Environmental Health Division of the Department of Planning & Protective Services. Certain requirements must be met to obtain the permit and to protect the health of the people served. Diligent efforts by food handlers to avoid contamination of food must be made in the handling and serving of food. The following rules have been established toward the goals of protecting the public health.
*****Please be advised that effective August 28, 2014 nonprofit organizations covered by Missouri Senate Bill 525 are encouraged, but not required, to obtain temporary food permits from the City of Jefferson.
Temporary Food Permit Application
Temporary Food Event Checklist
Note: If you have questions regarding whether or not your food event requires a permit, please contact the Environmental Health Division at (573) 634-6410.
Mobile Food Unit Services
This information is provided for people who are interested in obtaining a permit to operate a mobile food unit or pushcart in the City of Jefferson. The following guidelines are authorized by the Jefferson City Food Code section 8-104.10. These requirements must be met in order to obtain a valid mobile food unit or pushcart permit.
Pushcarts and mobile units must operate in conjunction with a permitted food-handling establishment, usually referred to as a “servicing area”. Restaurants, grocery stores, and convenient stores are examples of servicing areas. There must be a written agreement between the servicing area and mobile food unit/pushcart operator stating that the servicing area may be used to service the mobile unit/pushcart. This documentation must be submitted to the City of Jefferson Environmental Health Division. The mobile unit or pushcart must return daily to the servicing area to obtain potable water, empty gray water, and wash, rinse, and sanitize utensils and equipment utilized by the unit. Mobile units water supply and waste units must be self-contained. No hook-ups are allowed to permanent water supplies or sewage waste discharge when in operation. Mobile units cannot be serviced on site. They must return to the servicing area for servicing unless part of an event or festival, but not to exceed (14) days.
For mobile units, a potable water hose must be provided and must meet National Sanitation Foundation food-grade specifications, stored in a sanitary manner, and not used for any other purpose. Wastewater must be emptied into approved wastewater facilities. A document stating where employee will utilize restroom facilities will also be required.
The servicing area must have adequate facilities to service the mobile unit/pushcart or a health permit will not be issued. Foods that are served by the mobile unit/pushcart cannot be prepared at home. All foods must be prepared on site or at the servicing area. Leftovers at the end of the day must be discarded.
Mobile Food Unit Application
Specific Requirements for Mobile Food Units
Specific Requirements for Push Cart Units
Push Cart Informational Sheet
Servicing Area Agreement Document
Servicing Area Informational Sheet
Farmer's Market
An increase in demand for locally grown produce and food products has led to a substantial growth in the amount of food being sold at farmer’s markets. Today many farmer markets resemble and outdoor bazaar with fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, flowers, arts and crafts, and a wide variety of other items offered for sale.
Currently, the Cole County Farmers Market located in Jefferson City is at the Capital Mall and operates Mid-April through October on Tuesday’s and Friday’s from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday’s 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Capital Region Medical Center sponsor's a weekly Farmer's Market. The market runs from mid-June through September, every Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the Southwest Campus Main Entrance, 1432 Southwest Boulevard.
Lincoln University also sponsors a Farmer’s Market located in Jefferson City at 1219 Chestnut Street.
Below are health and sanitation requirements for foods commonly found at farmer’s markets.
Sidewalk Cafe
Sidewalk Café on City Sidewalks
An established restaurant may apply for a permit to operate a sidewalk café on a city sidewalk adjacent to the restaurant. The following information must be provided in the application for review before approval is given and a permit issued.
Download and print a Sidewalk Cafe Permit Application
Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance 32-230
1. A plan must be submitted that illustrates the following information:
a.) Size of the area to be used on the sidewalk. b.) Size and location of the tables and chairs. c.) Location of the corridor(s) the public is to use through/next to the tables and chairs. (The Downtown Streetscape minimum is eight feet, and in other areas the minimum is four feet.) d.) Locations of trash containers. e.) Location of landscaping. f.) Locations of light poles and other pieces of permanent equipment. |
2. A plan must be submitted that explains how the area and the adjacent businesses will remain free of litter associated with the café. It is the responsibility of the sidewalk cafe permit holder to ensure that all trash and litter (including cigarette butts) are removed daily from the sidewalk cafe. Customers who smoke must be at least ten (10) feet away from doorways or windows that are used for ventilation. Sidewalk cafe permit holder should advise customers on the proper disposal of litter in this area. The City of Jefferson may require a bond that guarantees litter will be removed.
3. All tables and chairs must be removed from the sidewalk at the end of the restaurants operation each day, unless permission is otherwise granted by the City of Jefferson.
4. Proof of insurance that protects the City of Jefferson from liability as determined by the City's Law Department and as filed with the City's Finance Department must be in place as long as the restaurant holds a sidewalk café permit.
Home Child Care Food Services
The City of Jefferson Environmental Health Division contracts with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to provide sanitation inspections of child care homes in Jefferson City. These facilities are licensed and regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Child Care and include centers, group homes, family child care homes, and license-exempt facilities (nursery school or a facility run by a religious organization).
For more information regarding zoning requirements regarding child care homes, please contact the City of Jefferson Department of Planning and Protective Services at 573-634-6410.
For information on diseases, click link below:
Reference Guide for Communicable Diseases
Child Center Food Services
Food Service Guidelines - Day Care Center (More than 10 children)
When a day care center is constructed or is extensively remodeled, or when an existing structure is converted for use as a day care center, properly prepared plans and specifications for such remodeling or alteration shall be submitted to the Environmental Health Services Division of the Department of Planning & Protective Services prior to the beginning of construction. The plans and specifications should illustrate the layout, arrangement, and construction materials of work areas and the location, size, and type of fixed equipment.
For more information regarding zoning requirements, please contact the City of Jefferson Department of Planning and Protective Services at 573-634-6410.
The requirements of the Jefferson City Food Code that must be met before a valid Operating Permit will be issued include:
Child Care Center Food Code Requirements
For information on diseases, click on link below:
Reference Guide for Communicable Diseases
Food Producers & Processors
A Food Processor is an individual or organization that takes either raw food products and ingredients, or pre-processed products, combines or repackages them and distributes the finished product. The distribution can be to grocery stores, warehouses, or other distributors.
Food processing can be a simple operation, such as repackaging bulk foods, baking bread and distributing it, or a more complicated operation such as canning and preserving. The key here is that the product is not sold directly to the consumer.
It is important to know that in some instances there is an overlapping of regulation jurisdiction between local, state and federal agencies, which means a food processor, could be inspected and regulated by more than one regulatory agency.
To learn more about food processing requirements go to:
Food Processors | Food Safety | Health & Senior Services
Additional information can be found at the following links: