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.