Food Inspections

The Environmental Health Program is responsible for inspection, education, enforcement, and investigation of food establishments in Black Hawk County and surrounding areas. The Black Hawk County Health Department/Northeast Iowa Inspections contracts with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) to enforce the 2005 Food Code in Black Hawk County and eight other counties in the area providing an average of 2800 food inspections per year. The following counties are inspected for food: Black Hawk, Benton, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Delaware, Fayette, Grundy, and Tama.

Opening a new food establishment checklist:

1. Submit Plans to the Health Department 30 days prior to construction/remodel

2. Adhere to Basic Requirements for Food Service

3. Apply for a Food License

Requirements for Food Service

Basic Requirements - Food Establishment

Plan Review Document (must accompany new or remodeled food establishment requests)

Basic Requirements - Home Food Establishment (Non Potentially Hazardous Baked Goods Only)

Temporary Food Stand Regulations

Farmers’ Market Regulations

Mobile Food Unit/Pushcart Regulations

Applications for Food Service Licenses