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The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals has information for food and beverage establishments, including temporary food stands and farmer's markets, regarding considerations and requirements for operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can visit the Iowa DIA COVID-19 Resources webpage here.
Siouxland District Health Department issues Temporary Food Stand licenses for the Iowa counties of Woodbury, Plymouth, Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, O’Brien, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, and Palo Alto. It is recommended that license applications are received in our office at least one week prior to the event. Applications received less than three business days before an event may not be reviewed and a license not issued.
What is a temporary food stand?
A temporary food stand is a food establishment that operates in one location for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. An “event or celebration” is a significant occurrence; such as a fair, carnival, or festival; sponsored by a civic, business, educational, government, community, or veteran’s organization. As an example, an event does not include a single store's grand opening or sale.
When is a license required to operate a food stand in Iowa?
- When handling or selling unpackaged food or beverages such as tacos, burgers, bbq, cut watermelon, fountain pop, etc…
- When providing commercially prepackaged food or beverages that require temperature control for safety such as ice cream treats, milk, yogurt, prepackaged sandwiches, etc…
What can be sold without a license?
- Commercially prepared prepackaged foods and beverages that do not require temperature control for safety such as bottled soda, packaged candy, packaged chips, wrapped granola bars, etc…
- Whole, uncut fruits and vegetables
Who must be licensed?
- For profit organizations and individuals
- Non-profit organizations that do not meet the exemption requirements
- Iowa licensed Mobile Food Units that operate more than three consecutive days at an event
- Iowa licensed food establishments that operate away from their own licensed premises
- Each separate stand that requires a license
Non-profit license exemptions:
- Non-profit organizations are exempt from licensing if they sell food only one day per week, not on two consecutive days, from their own premises.
- There are two additional exemptions for non-profit organizations:
- Twice per calendar year—may serve to the public up to three consecutive days from their own premises
- Twice per year, the non-profit can use the premises of another non-profit organization to serve food for one day (Property owned by a city, county, or state entity such as streets and most parks are not considered non-profit premises)
What is the cost of a license?
A temporary food stand license costs $50.00
Applications and license fees must be submitted at leaset three business days prior to the event, or the applcation may not be reviewed. Vendors who do not apply for their license in advance or are found to be operating without a license will be charged a penalty of $50.00, for a total fee of $100.00. They will need to stop operation and complete a license application and pass an inspection prior to resuming operations.
What is an Annual Temporary Food Establishment License?
An annual temporary food establishment license allows operators to participate in temporary events in the county the license was issued in for a year from the date the license is issued. It still only allows for operation at actual events. An “event or celebration” is a significant occurrence; such as a fair, carnival, or festival; sponsored by a civic, business, educational, government, community, or veteran’s organization. As an example, an event does not include a single store's grand opening or sale. This license also covers operation at Farmer's Markets in the county where it is issued. This is a $200 license that can be renewed annually.
Temporary Food Stand License Application
Annual Temporary Food Establishment License Application
Iowa Temporary Food Stand Requirements (English)
Iowa Temporary Food Stand Requirements (Spanish)
Temporary Handwash Station Setup
Food Safety 101
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