Department of Food Safety
To Contact the Department of Food Safety, call:
317/221-2222
or write:
Department of Food Safety
Marion County Health Department
3838 N. Rural St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Foodborne Disease Prevention
Foodborne illness is estimated to result in as many as 76 million cases of disease in the United States each year. Many victims of foodborne illness encounter discomfort or lost time on the job as a result of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. For others who may be elderly, very young, or have weakened immune systems, foodborne illness may cause much more serious problems or be life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 5,000 needless deaths occur annually as result of people becoming ill from microorganisms in food.
In addition to microbial contaminants, chemical and physical
hazards may be associated with food. Chemicals such as cleaning
compounds and pesticides may injure or poison consumers, while
physical contaminants such as metal slivers, pebbles, or glass
may cause injury. Foodborne illness costs can be expensive for
its victims and facilities implicated in outbreaks and illness.
The annual cost for the United States is estimated to be between
$7.7 and $23 billion dollars.
In 2007, Food Safety Department staff investigated 112 complaints from individuals concerned that they may have become ill eating at a Marion County food establishment. These complaints involved 246 people."
To reverse the occurrence of foodborne disease, we have heightened
our education, immunization, and HACCP efforts. Staff co-developed
and provide a nationally recognized education program, "Food
Safety Day". The program focuses on foodborne disease, temperature
control, personal hygiene, and cross contamination and is provided
monthly at the health department, semi-annually in county-wide
events, or by request at facilities.
Other programs provided included plan review, school education
and special event coordination. Our ordinance requires plans
be submitted for review prior to starting construction or alteration
of new facilities. Evaluation ensures compliance with the ordinance
and prevents potentially costly design flaws and penalties for
illegally opening. Organizers of special events need to register with
the department to ensure proper licensing of their invited food
stands and to provide proper sanitary and waste disposal facilities
for event patrons.
Types of Food Establishments Licensed in 2007
Restaurants, Schools, Taverns |
3166 |
Temporary Event Food Service |
1497 |
Groceries and Markets |
851 |
Mobile Food Service |
297 |
Vending Food Service |
22 |
Total |
5833 |
Consumer Alert: Door-to-Door Food Sales
A La Comunidad Atencion - Ventas de Puerta en Puerta
Opening/Renovating Food Establishment
State of Indiana Retail Food Code
Requistos de Sanidad Publica Para Establecimientos de Venta de Alinebtos al Por Mayor
Foodborne Illness Summary
Food Safety Training
Temporary Food Event Info
General Requirements for Hot Dog Carts
Certification - Frequently Asked Questions
(Listing of educational materials)
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