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Health department and sheriff are investigating illegally prepared food sold to public

investigateMASON CITY — The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department have recently partnered to investigate cases where food has been prepared illegally and sold to the public for consumption.

These cases have all revolved around individuals preparing and selling food out of their home without the required license. Many laws and rules relate to this issue. In general, the Iowa Code Chapter 137F says that a person will not operate a food establishment until the appropriate license has been obtained from the regulatory authority (Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health or the Iowa Department of Public Health). It also notes that a person will not operate a food establishment until an inspection has been completed, and a license has been issued by the regulatory authority. Individuals who operate a food establishment without a license are subject to a penalty of up to twice the amount of the maximum annual license fee ($607.50). Further action resulting in civil penalties can also be assessed.

To clarify, a private home or a room used as living or sleeping quarters may not be used for conducting food preparation or establishment operations.

“It is important that people purchase their food from a licensed facility. This applies to all food sales including door-to-door and internet food sales,” said Brian Hanft, Environmental Health Service Manager, Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “We do our best to monitor food safety in Cerro Gordo County so our residents are protected from food-borne illness.”

The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is available and willing to help individuals interested in selling food product or opening a food establishment to ensure they abide by the Iowa Food Code. For concerns as to whether an individual is operating with a proper license or to view facilities past inspections, visit our website at www.cghealth.com or call 641-421-9300.

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