The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees approved updated food regulations for Dent County food establishments in November of 2023. These regulations go into effect July 1st, 2024. Changes to the rules center around three main areas: inspection fees, food safety training, and emphasis on clean air. The purpose of the regulations is to ensure the food supply of Dent County is safe. The full regulations can be found here.
Inspection Fees
The biggest change with the new regulations is the implementation of a permit or inspection fee for restaurants and other food establishments. The fee is based on the “risk” level, which determines how often the facility must be inspected, and therefore DCHCs cost. Importantly, penalty fees for establishments who are consistently or repeatedly not in compliance were also included in this.
Food Safety Training
Another change is a local requirement for staff members to have a food safety/food handler course. DCHC does not specify which course.
Clean Air
DCHC incorporated the Missouri Indoor Clean Air law into our local regulations. Inspectors will be checking for compliance with this law. Restaurants with over 50 seats will not be permitted to allow smoking or vaping. Restaurants, bars, and bowling alleys with fewer than 50 seats may provide designated smoking areas or they must put up a sign that states “Non-smoking areas not available.” The Administrator will waive one year of inspection fees for any facility that currently allows smoking but chooses to go completely smoke free.
Town Hall
DCHC will be hosting a town hall question and answer session about the new regulations at 7pm on May 30th at the Dent County Health Center, 1010 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd. The public is welcome with an RSVP.
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