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Marshall County Health Department Food Safety Information

To Obtain a Permit for a Food Service Establishment

If you need a permit to operate a food service establishment, please come to our office at 267 Slickback Road in Benton, Monday thru Friday from 7:30 am to 9:30 am.  There is a two page application process and it must be filled out in our office.  Ask for Missy Gore or one of the Environmentalists for assistance.  If the times listed above are not convenient for your schedule, please call 270-252-2719 and we will gladly work with you. 

The Food Service Program strives to ensure a safe food supply for the community. This is done by conducting routine inspections, investigating foodborne illnesses and food service establishment complaints, providing food safety education and responding to food emergency incidents. The program also collaborates with other state, federal and local agencies to ensure public health is served in the community

More than 200 known diseases are transmitted through food. The causes of foodborne illnesses include viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals and prions. Symptoms of foodborne illnesses range from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening neurologic, hepatic, and renal syndromes.

There are approximately 178 permitted food service establishments in Marshall County. These include restaurants, daycares, grocery stores and schools. The Food Service Program also conducts temporary food establishment inspections; most of which occur during local festivals and events.

Online Food Certification

(PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE PROCEEDING)

As per Marshall County Health Department and the FDA Food Code 2013 requirements, each establishment shall have a certified food protection manager who is able to direct and control food preparation and service.  Also, the requirement for all establishments to have a Person-In-Charge (PIC) present at the establishment during all hours of operation.

It is EASY to get certified! Go Online!  You can take the training and test at http://Ky-marchd.statecert.com

Note: This program is most compatible with Google Chrome and Firefox browsers.

Upon opening the website:*
Select “Register” in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your information and receive a confirmation email
Confirm your email address by clicking in the email
Select “Get New License”
Select “Food Manager Certification” $80  (meets requirements) or “Food Employee Certification” $25 (optional)
Take the course and test then print your certificate and also receive an electronic certificate!

*Each individual shall register with their own name, information, email, and password.

For questions or concerns call the health department at 270-252-2719.

Food Service Program Links and Documents

Statewide Mobile Food Unit Operations

A statewide mobile food unit is basically a food establishment on wheels or otherwise mobile. These operations are permitted by the local county health department and permitted operations pay one yearly fee and may operate statewide. These units are to contact the health department in each county where they operate for an inspection and units may not remain at one location longer than 14 consecutive days.

For more information and applications, please contact your local county health department.

Page Updated 3-5-2024