Food Oversight
New Food Ordinance!
Osage County has implemented a new food service sanitation ordinance. This will go into effect January 1, 2024. Individuals who sell their goods straight from a farm may be exempt from needing a business license. Anyone else is required to have a business license in order to sell goods.
Important Documents: Food Establishment Permit Application | Lodging Establishment Permit Application | Temporary Food Event Permit Application
Food Establishment Inspections
The OCHD partners with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to inspect food establishments and enforce the current Missouri Food Code. Some types of food establishments are restaurants, taverns, schools, senior centers, convenience stores, grocery stores, caterers, bakeries, meat markets and mobile food establishments.
Food businesses not on a city sewer system must also comply with on-site wastewater treatment systems regulations.
Missouri Cottage Food Law
The Missouri Cottage Food Law “provides the requirements to qualify for the exception to the definition of a food establishment that allows for production of foods in a home setting.” You can review the full law here: Missouri Cottage Food Law
If you have any questions regarding this law, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a page with frequently asked questions that you can reference. Just follow this link there: MODHSS Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Food Service Guidelines
Temporary food events, such as fairs, festivals, or other events, must also follow specific guidelines to maintain food health and safety to all individuals served.