Retail Food Establishment (RFE):
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) requires that all food establishments be registered through the state and the local county health departments.
The Ohio County Health Department has jurisdiction over Ohio County retail food establishments in Indiana.
*Existing Retail Food Establishment permits are renewed yearly and expire on December 31st of each calendar year and are subject to routine inspections by the Ohio County Health Department.
See IDOH Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements Title 410 IAC 7-26 section 105 @ the link below for definition of a Retail Food Establishment in Indiana and for IDOH Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements Title 410 IAC 7-26 effective 4/16/2025 (replaces Title 410 IAC 7-24):
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/retail/food-code-updates-410-iac-7-26/
For information on becoming a certified food protection manager see link below:
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/food-protection-manager-certification/
*If you are interested in starting a NEW Retail Food Establishment in Ohio County, see link below and contact the Ohio County Health Department:
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/retail/how-to-start-a-retail-food-business/
Mobile Retail Food Establishments
MUST provide the following to apply for a permit:
– Current menu
– Commissary Information:
- refer to IDOH Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements Title 410 IAC 7-26 sections 21 & 488
– Current Certified Food Protection Manager certificate (certification must be from an ANAB-CFP Accredited Program) refer to IC 16-42-5.2-4
– Current Driver’s License
Must contact Ohio County Health Department for Mobile Retail Food Establishment permit application no less than 14 days before event or set up.
For more information on Mobile Food Establishment requirements see the links below:
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/retail/food-code-updates-410-iac-7-26/
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/laws-rules-and-regulations/
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/food-protection-manager-certification/
Home Based Vendor (HBV):
Indiana’s House Enrolled Act 1149 was passed in 2022 and defines the requirements for home-based vendors (HBVs) in the preparation and sale of their home-based food products for sale directly to consumers.
According to HEA 1149 Section 7, every home-based vendor must obtain a food handler certificate from a certificate issuer that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The HBV shall provide a copy of their current certified food handler certificate to the Ohio County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health or an end consumer when requested.
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/retail/guidance-documents/#Home_Based_Vendors
HBVs must obtain a permit from the Ohio County Health Department before setting up for any event, market, or “pop-up” in Ohio county and provide a copy of their current certified food handler certificate.
